Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at ** https://umjobs.silkroad.com/** for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College .

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research invites applications for a Director of Marketing and Communications to join our team. The Director of Marketing and Communications organizes and directs the operations of the marketing of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), and reports to the Director of the BBER. The incumbent will strive to achieve a full understanding of the Bureau’s mission, our expertise, and our goals and objectives in order to craft and implement marketing strategies that solidify and enhance the BBER’s standing as one of the most productive and impactful business research centers in the country.

The Director works collaboratively with the leadership, the research professionals and the staff of the BBER to create the messaging and the marketing strategy for BBER research products, including our public events, publications, newsletters, research monographs and other forms of professional engagement. They will also represent the BBER in a wide variety of local, state and national venues.

This position is responsible for the visibility, effectiveness and professionalism of the BBER’s print and online publications. He/she must create, develop and manage content for the BBER’s websites. The position is responsible for copyediting and proofreading all web content and research reports. The Director develops, designs, manages and produces all Bureau publications and promotional material, including both print and electronic media. The incumbent will serve as managing editor of the Montana Business Quarterly (MBQ), the business magazine of the BBER that is currently transitioning from a hybrid print/online to an exclusively online platform. The position is responsible for extending and preserving the BBER’s visual brand and tradition of high quality, attractive, and effective print and electronic publications.

The Director will work with the Event Planning Contractor to ensure that the BBER’s public events, most notably its long-running Economic Outlook Seminars conducted in the winter of each year in cities across the state, are successful. They will be responsible for ensuring that the marketing plans are implemented in a timely and effective manner. It is the responsibility of the Director to maintain databases associated with BBER events and publications and to have the ability to harvest and utilize the information those datasets contain to inform and improve BBER operations. These databases include those associated with registrations, evaluations, and subscriptions to BBER products and services.

This position serves as the point of contact between the BBER and the electronic and print media. The Director is expected to be thoroughly familiar with journalism practices regarding print and web production, and to maintain and grow a comprehensive list of Montana media organizations and contacts, including the creation of press releases. The incumbent will also maintain the BBER’s social media channels.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary for the positions ranges from $58,000 to $62,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field and three (3) years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in the communication of research
• Experience in media management and communication
• Broad knowledge of business and the Montana economy
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Excel, Powerpoint and other media production and graphic design software
• Knowledge of web and graphic design programs, including content management platforms
• Substantial professional experience in the fields of marketing and communications
• Experience and proficiency communicating research findings
• The ability to write and communicate technical and nontechnical information verbally in a clear and engaging way
• Demonstrated proficiency with written and verbal communication, social media, Adobe Creative Suite packages, content management systems, database systems, and other relevant software and exceptional writing skills under tight deadlines
• Sound project management skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and experience juggling multiple assignments and internal clients
• A solid grounding in graphic design
• A strong commitment to quality and consistency to support and deliver products and services that meet the BBER’s standards

About the BBER and UM

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research’s purpose is to serve the general public, as well as people in business, labor and government, by providing an understanding of the economic environment in which Montanans live and work.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: UM Lifestyles
  • University Highlights

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

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How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, May 19 , 2024 **** by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online through the UM Jobs portal directly to ensure a complete application is received.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
4. Samples of Work – three to five (3-5) examples (copies of work or document with links to websites) of your best work

Required Skills

Required Experience

• Patience and an understanding and ability to interact with individuals with disabilities
• Dependability, flexibility, and desire to help others
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn to use an electronic health record system
• Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record---access to a personal vehicle required at some sites