Community Marketing & Engagement Specialist

Blackfoot Communications; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackfoot Communications in Montana seeks a Community Marketing & Engagement Specialist to strengthen presence, reputation, and relationships across the communities we serve, while backing marketing and go-to-market objectives.

This role leads community engagement and event strategies, develops local partnerships, supports regional marketing initiatives, coordinates sponsorships and community investments, and builds awareness of Blackfoot’s products, services, network investments, and local

Qualifications

• BS/BA in public relations, communications, marketing or related field, with 2-5 years of experience in community relations, public relations, government relations or related areas.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and event coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead community marketing and engagement initiatives to support brand and growth objectives.
• Represent Blackfoot at civic events, forums, and industry functions to build trust.
• Develop local partnerships and coordinate sponsorships and community investments.
• Create messaging for community audiences, press materials, newsletters, and social content.
• Inform and inspire employees about community efforts and encourage volunteer involvement.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Leadership to align community programs with GTM plans.

Skills

Active listening

Public speaking

Writing and editing

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

BS/BA in public relations

Public relations or communications

2-5 years experience in community relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM / customer information software

Job description

About Us:

Blackfoot Communications reliably connects business of all sizes across the nation using the latest telecommunication technology in voice, network, and managed services. With focus on strong connections, we also provide dedicated account management with a goal to get to know our clients so we can help advise on the best solution.

What We Offer

We offer opportunities in the telecommunications and technology sectors with positions in Western Montana and Eastern Idaho. Blackfoot is proud to offer a competitive salary and a fantastic benefits package that includes; comprehensive medical benefits plan, LTD, life insurance, an outstanding retirement pension plan plus a 401k plan that includes employer match, along with other employer paid benefits. We are proud to have received awards and recognition that highlight our strong company culture. These include "Employer of Choice" from the Missoula Job Service Employer's Council, "Top Tech Employer" from the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the "Heart Award" from the United Way of Missoula County in recognition of our ongoing community efforts.

Job Summary

The Community Marketing & Engagement Specialist strengthens Blackfoot Communications’ presence, reputation, and relationships across the communities we serve while supporting broader marketing and go-to-market objectives. This role serves as a key connection point between Blackfoot and the communities, businesses, organizations, media, and customers within our service areas. The position leads community engagement and event strategies, develops local partnerships, supports regional marketing initiatives, coordinates sponsorships and community investments, and builds awareness of Blackfoot’s products, services, network investments, and local impact.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Marketing & Engagement

• Develop and execute localized community marketing initiatives that support Blackfoot's brand, customer growth, product awareness, and business objectives.
• Represent Blackfoot at public forums, civic events, educational engagements, and industry functions, building credibility and community trust.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments, business organizations, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit partners.
• Gather and communicate local market insights, customer feedback, community sentiment, and competitive intelligence to the broader marketing organization.
• Identify opportunities for community partnerships that complement broader marketing campaigns.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Experience, Operations, and Executive Leadership to align community initiatives with GTM efforts, infrastructure projects, service expansions, and public announcements.

Event Planning & Visibility

• Lead planning and execution of community-facing events, including education outreach programs.
• Coordinate Blackfoot’s presence and participation in regional events, civic meetings (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, City Club), and public forums.

Public Relations & Communications

• Develop and distribute content and messaging for community audiences, including press materials, community updates, talking points, newsletters, social content, and other channels as appropriate.
• Cultivate media relationships to enhance local and regional visibility, ensuring consistent messaging and positive coverage.

Sponsorships, Donations & Community Investment

• Participate in reviewing and managing sponsorship, donation, and partnership requests, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and measurable community impact.
• Coordinate fulfillment of sponsorship commitments and ensure Blackfoot receives appropriate visibility and engagement opportunities.

Internal Communications & Cultural Leadership

• Inform and inspire employees through regular updates on community efforts, events, and success stories.
• Promote and coordinate employee involvement in volunteer opportunities, local events, and civic initiatives to foster a culture of engagement.
• Champion a company-wide culture of civic responsibility, visibility, and shared purpose.

Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill job function or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• company policies and procedures.
• current and emerging products and services.
• company mission, vision and core values.
• overall community relations strategies and philosophies.
• general office practices and procedures.
• time management and organizational skills.

Skill to:

• write exceptional original material, edit, proofread and finalize written material.
• be an active listener.
• be an effective and inspiring public speaker.
• be very successful at multi-tasking.
• operate various office equipment such as a computer, copy machine, scanner and multi-line telephone.
• utilize Microsoft Office software and customer information software.

Ability to:

• work independently and within a team.
• work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support community events and other engagement activities.
• support all areas of corporate administration and company community relations.
• understand the telecommunications industry and its relationship to community economic impact.
• build successful internal and external relationships and partnerships.
• enjoy and thrive at public and community events.
• think analytically and be a problem solver.
• communicate effectively, both in writing and in speaking, with customers, co-workers, various business leaders, government officials, and the general community population in a courteous and professional manner.
• be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
• work completely and accurately under time constraints and deadlines.
• obtain and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license, have a good driving record and be insured under the Company insurance policy.
• read, analyze, and interpret reports.
• maintain confidentiality of Company information when required.
• work in a safe and effective manner.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to the following education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

BS/BA in public relations, communications, marketing or related field, with 2-5 years of experience in community relations, public relations, government relations or related areas.

Any noted minimum or maximum years of experience should not be construed as a requirement for consideration; this information is meant to be used as a suggested guideline.