Press Secretary (00011)

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Vacation & Holidays

RETIREMENT PLAN

Job summary

Office of Public Instruction is seeking a Press Secretary to join the Superintendent’s Office and lead strategic communications with the Communications team. You will draft press materials, manage digital content, and assist with events and multimedia projects.

You will work closely with the Communications Director, state agencies and media to ensure accurate messaging. Prior writing and media relations experience is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, media relations, marketing, digital communications, government communications, or a related field; OR
• An associate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media, or a related field. Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Draft and distribute press materials, advisories, statements, talking points, speeches and social media content.
• Develop digital and social media content and support photography and multimedia production.
• Maintain and update website content to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Support public events and coordinate with stakeholders and media.
• Collaborate with Communications Director and other offices to ensure consistent messaging.

Skills

Press materials drafting

Social media content creation

Video production knowledge

Public relations

Interpersonal communication

Education

Associate degree in communications/journalism

Two years of relevant experience in communications

Tools

Website content management systems

Job description

Job Description - Press Secretary (00011) (26142361)

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Retirement plans

Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:

This position serves as the Press Secretary within the Superintendent’s Office and is a key member of the Communications team. Working under the direction of the Communications Director, the Press Secretary supports the development and execution of strategic communications for the Superintendent and the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The Press Secretary is responsible for drafting and distributing press materials, developing digital and social media content, maintaining website content, supporting public events, and assisting with photography and multimedia production. The position requires strong writing, editing, interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced public-sector environment and respond appropriately to time-sensitive media and communications needs.

The position will work closely with the Communications Director, Superintendent’s Office, OPI divisions and programs, state agencies, education stakeholders, and members of the media to ensure accurate, timely, consistent, and effective communication of agency information.

This position serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent and could end at the end of the Superintendent’s term or at any time the Superintendent determines. Due to the nature of this assignment, you are not eligible for permanent status.

E-Verify: This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

Knowledge of video production techniques and equipment operation.

Knowledge of creative writing, photography, videography, and basic multimedia production.

Knowledge of special interest groups.

Knowledge of recreational resources.

Knowledge of digital communications, social media, website content management, and public engagement.Skill in developing press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, speeches, social media content, and other public information materials.

Skill in operating professional cameras and basic photography and video equipment.

Skill in using common computer software, digital communications tools, social media platforms, and website content management systems.

Ability to communicate ideas in an understandable and practical fashion.

Ability to communicate in both oral and written form.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, the media, and the public.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team and adapt communications to different audiences and platforms.

Ability to represent the Superintendent’s Office and OPI professionally.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Two years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, media relations, marketing, digital communications, government communications, or a related field; OR

An associate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media, or a related field. Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Does this sound like you?

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

65,000.00 - 70,000.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Office of Public Instruction Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Sep 21, 2026, 9:31:51 PM

Closing Date

Oct 14, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials : Resume

Contact Name : Human Resources | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.