Digital Communications Lead

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Digital Communications Lead. First review of applicants will be on May 26, 2026. Position is open until filled.

The Montana Department of Agriculture operates more than 30 programs. These include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the environment, as well as development and marketing programs to foster growth in Montana agriculture. Our agency is serving Montana agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.

Job Overview:

The Digital Communications Lead contributes to and supports our internal and external communications strategy, maintains and updates agency website/web pages, writes and disseminates publicity material, supports the agency’s social media communications, and coordinates promotional events. This position is responsible for special projects as directed by the Director’s Office and serves as a liaison between the Communication Officer and external/internal entities.

As the Digital Communications Lead, you will:

•    Maintain and update agency or program websites based on management priorities, policy directions, and agency goals.

•    Produce a consistent visual image on the web sites including maintenance of templates, program pages, while insuring sufficient speed and quality.

•    Create and ensure that links are current, update information on pages and databases so that content is current.

•    Develop, research, write/edit, and create layout for new sections/features.

•    Support the development, editing, and promotion of informational materials about agency activities or programs.

•    Release informational materials through various communications methods, such as websites and social media. 

•    Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with people outside the agency or program. 

•    Represent the agency or program to internal and external stakeholders, such as other agencies, media, public, or interest groups. 

•    Work to ensure effective and consistent messaging in all areas of communication.

•    Serve as the primary website content supervisor as directed by the agency Communication Officer for entirety of agency programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•    Demonstrated knowledge and experience in website design, web page(s) maintenance, html, css, dhtml, and ADA compliance.

•    Graphic design skills, including computer graphics, photographic, infographics, and video graphics.

•    Preferred knowledge of agriculture and related programs.

•    Knowledge of effective public relations, social media, and various forms of communications.

•    Skills writing and editing; understanding of mass media and relationships between citizens and public agencies. 

•    Knowledge of newspaper, radio, and television production procedures and evolving methods of communication including social media.

•    Proficient in MS Office products, graphic design and publications programs, operation of standard equipment for photography, recording, audio editing and video.

•    Ability to quickly learn Agency programs and functions.

•    The ability to persuade others of Agency’s reasons for actions and decisions, and the ability to display poise and professionalism in confrontational situations.

Required Application Materials:

• State of Montana Application.
• Cover letter describing how your professional career, experience, and education prepared you to meet the requirements of this position.
• Resume detailing all relevant work experiences, including employer, and duties.
• Samples or link to portfolio of work. (e.g., press release, published article, report or similar work product you have authored).

Minimum Education and Experience:

•    Bachelor’s degree with a major in public relations, communications, marketing, or web design.

•    Three years of directly related experience. 

•    Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Benefits:

Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package! These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

•    Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.

•    38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.

•    Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

•    Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.

•    Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP programs.

•    Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.

•    Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. 

•    Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

E-Verify: This agency is participating 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/.

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: $ 32.00 - 34.00  Hourly

Telework Eligibility:  Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

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, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location:  Helena

Agency:  Department of Agriculture

Union:  Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date:  Apr 23, 2026, 9:28:38 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone):  Ongoing

Required Application Materials:  Cover Letter, Resume, Examples of Work or Portfolio

Contact Name:  Traci Merzlak  |  Contact Email:  Traci.merzlak@mt.gov  |  Contact Phone:  406-444-3145