Communications Specialist
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, MT, United States
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26326
For questions regarding this position, please contact: Michael Becker michael.becker@montana.edu 406-994-4565
Classification Title Media/Info Spec Working Title: Communications Specialist
Brief Position Overview The communications specialist holds a key position within University Communications in promoting public awareness of MSU’s accomplishments and endeavors. Strong writing and editing skills as well as managing and publishing to the Web are essential skills.
Position Number: 4M0698 Department: University Communications Division: University Communications Appointment Type: Classified Contract Term: Fiscal Year Semester: If other, specify From date: If other, specify End date: FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE FTE: 1.0 Benefits Eligible: Eligible Salary Minimum: $21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type: Classified Salary: If other, please specify Recruitment Type: Open
General Statement University Communications’ mission is to enhance Montana State University’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of the university’s accomplishments and develop consistent communications that build MSU’s reputation. University Communications provides a wide range of services through its operational units: the MSU News Service, Creative Services, Web and Digital Communications, Visual Media, and University Marketing. Its staff includes writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, video producers, publications specialists, marketing and licensing specialists, social media strategists, and web developers.
Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as a writer, editor, website manager and general communications specialist responsible for creating content to be used for media releases, marketing materials, online and other purposes, as well as providing general communications support in their areas of responsibility.
The position will assist with other projects and duties as delegated and help with emergency communications as needed.
The person in this full-time, in-person position will be assigned to chiefly cover the MSU College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, though assignments and duties may vary.
Duties and Responsibilities
Function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, interviewing, writing, coordinating and editing copy on a range of topics for use as media releases, publications, briefing and marketing materials, the Web and other purposes.
Update university webpages through MSU’s content management system.
Coordinate and work with all the University Communications units to achieve communications goals.
Assist University Communications directors with other projects and duties as assigned, potentially including but not limited to photography, event support, newsletters, annual reports and oversight of branded materials.
Attend regular campus-wide meetings for communications associates.
Manage social media accounts.
Manage and oversee annual print publications.
Assist with emergency communications as needed.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.
Experience writing in multiple styles, such as for the Web, marketing materials, news releases, feature stories and technical writing.
Experience managing deadline-driven communications projects.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, English or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience translating scientific information into copy for a lay audience.
Successful experience as a daily news journalist.
Experience working with Web content management systems.
A basic understanding of Web, social media and traditional print media.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have a passion for higher education.
Work well with video and photography editors to supplement and enhance written content.
Be able to think creatively to increase a story’s media potential.
Maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands.
Have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks.
Exercise good judgment and self-motivate.
Work well in a team environment.
Be flexible and adaptable and accommodate interruptions, sudden assignments and changes to plans.
Create and maintain contacts and working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and coworkers.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Three writing samples of published work are required. The samples must be bylined or otherwise credited to the applicant. Examples could include, but are not limited to, copy that appeared on a professional news website or in a print publication, a press release or a website. At least one sample must be 400 words or longer. Applicants are encouraged to submit a variety of work demonstrating their journalistic range. Do not submit personal blog posts, theses, scholarly publications, position papers, or communications/marketing plans. Attaching documents or PDFs is preferred over hyperlinks when possible.
A minimum of three professional references is required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Posting Detail Information Number Of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: Upon Completion Of a Successful Search Position End Date (if Temporary): Open Number of Applications: Screening of applications will begin on
April 6, 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Writing Sample #1
Writing Sample #2
Writing Sample #3
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 26326
For questions regarding this position, please contact: Michael Becker michael.becker@montana.edu 406-994-4565
Classification Title Media/Info Spec Working Title: Communications Specialist
Brief Position Overview The communications specialist holds a key position within University Communications in promoting public awareness of MSU’s accomplishments and endeavors. Strong writing and editing skills as well as managing and publishing to the Web are essential skills.
Position Number: 4M0698 Department: University Communications Division: University Communications Appointment Type: Classified Contract Term: Fiscal Year Semester: If other, specify From date: If other, specify End date: FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE FTE: 1.0 Benefits Eligible: Eligible Salary Minimum: $21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type: Classified Salary: If other, please specify Recruitment Type: Open
General Statement University Communications’ mission is to enhance Montana State University’s public image, increase the public’s awareness of the university’s accomplishments and develop consistent communications that build MSU’s reputation. University Communications provides a wide range of services through its operational units: the MSU News Service, Creative Services, Web and Digital Communications, Visual Media, and University Marketing. Its staff includes writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers, video producers, publications specialists, marketing and licensing specialists, social media strategists, and web developers.
Under the supervision of the director of the MSU News Service, this position will function as a writer, editor, website manager and general communications specialist responsible for creating content to be used for media releases, marketing materials, online and other purposes, as well as providing general communications support in their areas of responsibility.
The position will assist with other projects and duties as delegated and help with emergency communications as needed.
The person in this full-time, in-person position will be assigned to chiefly cover the MSU College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, though assignments and duties may vary.
Duties and Responsibilities
Function as a writer and editor responsible for researching, interviewing, writing, coordinating and editing copy on a range of topics for use as media releases, publications, briefing and marketing materials, the Web and other purposes.
Update university webpages through MSU’s content management system.
Coordinate and work with all the University Communications units to achieve communications goals.
Assist University Communications directors with other projects and duties as assigned, potentially including but not limited to photography, event support, newsletters, annual reports and oversight of branded materials.
Attend regular campus-wide meetings for communications associates.
Manage social media accounts.
Manage and oversee annual print publications.
Assist with emergency communications as needed.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated successful experience that includes writing, editing and proofreading on tight publication deadlines.
Experience writing in multiple styles, such as for the Web, marketing materials, news releases, feature stories and technical writing.
Experience managing deadline-driven communications projects.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, English or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience translating scientific information into copy for a lay audience.
Successful experience as a daily news journalist.
Experience working with Web content management systems.
A basic understanding of Web, social media and traditional print media.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have a passion for higher education.
Work well with video and photography editors to supplement and enhance written content.
Be able to think creatively to increase a story’s media potential.
Maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands.
Have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks.
Exercise good judgment and self-motivate.
Work well in a team environment.
Be flexible and adaptable and accommodate interruptions, sudden assignments and changes to plans.
Create and maintain contacts and working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and coworkers.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information Three writing samples of published work are required. The samples must be bylined or otherwise credited to the applicant. Examples could include, but are not limited to, copy that appeared on a professional news website or in a print publication, a press release or a website. At least one sample must be 400 words or longer. Applicants are encouraged to submit a variety of work demonstrating their journalistic range. Do not submit personal blog posts, theses, scholarly publications, position papers, or communications/marketing plans. Attaching documents or PDFs is preferred over hyperlinks when possible.
A minimum of three professional references is required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Posting Detail Information Number Of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: Upon Completion Of a Successful Search Position End Date (if Temporary): Open Number of Applications: Screening of applications will begin on
April 6, 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Writing Sample #1
Writing Sample #2
Writing Sample #3
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr