Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26218
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Suzi Taylor
406-994-2336
taylor@montana.edu
Classification Title Communications Professional
Working Title EPSCoR Communications and Outreach Strategist
Brief Position Overview
The Montana NSF EPSCoR Communication and Outreach Strategist is responsible for leading, creating and implementing public information activities to serve the needs of and promote Montana's currently funded statewide EPSCoR program, SMART FIRES (Sensors, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Real-Time Fire Science)
Position Number 4C4651
Department Sci Math Resource Center
Division College of Education, Health & Human Development
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation
FTE 0.75
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $26.44 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
This is a staff member housed within the Science Math Resource Center in the Department of Education (College of EHHD ) and funded solely by and working for the NSF EPSCoR grant called "SMART FIRES ." SMART FIRES is a statewide project of the Montana University System, but this particular position is based at Montana State University-Bozeman.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work with project administrators, EPSCoR leadership team and statewide collaborators to create, lead, implement and assess overall communications strategy to fulfill the requirements of the federally funded project.
Create plans for communicating EPSCoR research findings and success stories with media, stakeholders, National Science Foundation, etc.
Oversee undergraduate and graduate student interns who work to implement the communications strategy.
Assist with compiling annual report narrative of impacts/highlights for federal agencies
Assist with communications to project-funded participants, including faculty, staff and students
Lead management of the EPSCoR website and social media channels, including content generation and updates
In coordination with University Communications, initiate, write and disseminate content that furthers the promotion of Montana NSF EPSCoR activities to internal and external audiences, including the National Science Foundation; local, state and national media; and university and external stakeholders
Lead the creation of printed and digital publications such as newsletters, flyers, rack cards, brochures, reports, etc., in coordination with University Communications
Serve as liaison with University Communications
Assist in the creation and delivery of professional development activities and resources for teachers
Lead logistical planning for workshops and events for youth, educators and other participants
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, media or a STEM field with equivalent experience in communications, journalism or media
Minimum 5 years' experience leading and implementing communications strategy
Demonstrated experience with reporting requirements and submissions for federally funded grants
Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing, including capacity to communicate technical content for public audiences
Demonstrated experience with event planning, including top-level strategy and event-day logistics
Demonstrated experience creating and posting web content and managing websites using content management systems, such as Drupal and/or WordPress
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master's degree in communications, journalism, media or a STEM field
Familiarity with NSF EPSCoR program and Montana's SMART FIRES project
Basic familiarity with HTML and web accessibility standards
Experience teaching and/or creating resources for educators
Experience creating or contracting for high-quality photographs, video or other media assets
Connections and experience working with Montana stakeholder groups, such as legislature, non-profit agencies, Montana University System, etc
The Successful Candidate Will
Balance multiple time-sensitive projects at once while meeting deadlines
Work as part of a team with collaborators across the Montana University System
Work independently with limited direction and little to no supervision
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
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.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon successful completion of the search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on December 26, 2025; 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.
