Communications Director

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Communications Director to lead its Office of Strategic Communications and guide how the department informs and engages the public. This is an opportunity for an experienced communications leader to turn complex issues into clear messages, advise agency leadership, and direct communications on matters of high public interest.

As a member of the Director's Office, you will guide department-wide communications strategy, marketing, and brand management; oversee external materials and responses to inquiries; and develop talking points for the director and deputy director. The Communications Director will work close with division administrators, lead agency-wide virtual meetings, manage communications and marketing strategies for dealing with issues of high public interest or controversy; directing agency responses to inquiries and managing a team of two public relations professionals and one executive administrative assistant.

The communications director reviews all external materials for the department, sets the guidance for marketing and communications at the department, drafts talking points for the director and deputy director, and manages the all-hands virtual meetings. Is responsible for communications planning and brand management.

Why Helena, Montana?

Helena is Montana's capital city and a hub for government, healthcare, and outdoor adventure. It offers a small‑city feel with the amenities of a state capital. Residents enjoy short commutes, a walkable historic downtown, and a strong sense of community.

In Helena and the surrounding area, you will find:

• Miles of nearby trails for hiking, biking, running, and dog walking.

• Easy access to rivers and lakes for fishing, paddling, boating, and swimming, plus skiing and snow sports within a short drive.

• A relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with four distinct seasons, vibrant local events, and thriving food and beverage scene.

• Montana is known for its wide‑open spaces, public lands, and tight‑knit communities. Helena offers the chance to live in a place people seek out for its landscapes and recreation, while doing work that directly shapes Montana's future.

Benefits Include:

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays). Vacation leave increases with years of service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457b Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit the following via the State of Montana Careers site:

• Cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.

• Resume

Special requirements:

• Fingerprint and background check

• Valid driver's license.

• Frequent travel is required to attend meetings, conferences, and events as a representative of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combinations of education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.

• Three years of job related progressively responsible experience.

• Experience in Natural Resources a Plus.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities KSAs:

Knowledge of:

• Communication methods and techniques to establish cooperative working relationships.
• Identifying, analyzing, and gathering pertinent information to satisfy communication needs.
• Government operations, public administration, and intergovernmental coordination.

Ability to:

• Prepare press releases, speeches, marketing material or other materials that effectively convey accurate information to the public.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leadership, legislators, tribes, federal partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Build cooperative relationships with partners.

Special Information: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce, within three days of hire, documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card". The State of Montana does not sponsor.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After you accept a job offer and complete Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification.