Montana Career Opportunity – Communications Specialist – The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC)

The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) is hiring a communication specialist to promote the cooperative business model as a proven means of improving life in rural Montana. By supporting new and existing co-ops in even the smallest communities, MCDC and its partners are building together what would be impossible to build alone.

Summary of Responsibilities: The Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications plan that effectively tells the story of MCDC’s work and that of its sister trade organization, the Montana Council of Cooperatives (MCOC). Job roles include content management for two websites and social media; publication of quarterly newsletters and annual reports; media relations; special event promotion; and coordination of education/outreach.

Employment Terms: This is an entry-level, full-time salaried position based in Great Falls, Montana. The communication specialist will report to the MCDC Operations Manager and work in concert with the executive director and a field network of cooperative development specialists across Montana and Eastern Idaho. The position requires a moderate amount of statewide travel, with some weekend and evening assignments to be expected.

Job Duties:

* Website Management – Maintain both MCDC and MCOC websites with current information and strategic posting of news/events. Coordinate with website administrator for technical support

* Social Media – Develop a social media strategy congruent with MCDC needs and constituencies. Maintain Facebook page, Twitter accounts and other recommended platforms

* Education/Outreach – Analyze the need for updated educational and promotional materials. Support program staff with design/production of training tools and other publications needed for co-op development

* Publications – Design and implement a publications strategy that keeps all member/funder constituencies informed and engaged with MCDC/MCOC missions

* Media Relations – Improve the visibility of both MCDC and MCOC, and effectively share co-op development success stories with general audiences

* Event Promotion- Design and publish registration fliers and other promotional literature that advertise special events and increase regional participation in MCDC/MCOC activities

* Finance and Fundraising – Be responsible for developing an annual communications budget and assist where needed in raising funds for outreach and education

Desired Qualifications:

* A four-year degree in communications or a related field

* At least one year of experience in communications support for a business or nonprofit organization; ability to work with others in planning and executing communication strategies

* Exceptional oral and written communications skills; ability to present a positive image for MCDC

* Demonstrated ability to write in-depth news stories, compose media releases, and attract earned media coverage. Experience working with both social and traditional media a plus

* Experience with designing/editing/distributing a variety of publications and advertising – both in print and online. An understanding of evaluative metrics and crowd-sourcing will be helpful

* Competency in all forms of digital photography and creative design of visual products

* Standard PC competencies; experience with using NeoSerra database would be desirable

Compensation: Salary range is $26-32,000/year depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and personal leave; health/dental/vision insurance; and a 403B retirement plan (offered after one year of service).

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted electronically in one pdf file. Include in your application a two-page resume, three work-related references, and a one-page cover letter/essay that conveys why MCDC should hire you for this communications position. Submit the file to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 1.

This job is being advertised across Montana and the Northern Rockies through the month of October. Finalists will be interviewed the week of November 2nd and the successful candidate will be invited to attend three days of job orientation and strategic planning in Great Falls from November 17-19. The preferred starting date for full-time work is Monday, November 30, 2015.

To learn more about these statewide, nonprofit organizations, visit http://www.mcdc.coop and http://www.montanacouncil.coop. The Montana Cooperative Development Center is an equal opportunity employer supported by federal funding from USDA Rural Development.

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