COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has one (1) opening for a Communications Manager. This is a classified position. This position is a full-time, benefited position located at our Director’s Office in Boise, Idaho.

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION:  This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. 

Additional information can be found at: State Employee Compensation | Division of Human Resources (idaho.gov)

Salary Range is $46.00/hour +DOE and includes a competitive benefits package.

IDL seeks talented people committed to delivering our land management, regulatory, and assistance missions and preparing IDL for future natural resource challenges. This position reports to a Deputy Director and supervises two (2) Public Information Officers. 

This position is responsible for creating a comprehensive internal and external communication strategy for the department in alignment with department’s mission, vision and strategic plan. This position plans, directs, oversees and coordinates communication strategies and initiatives and has leadership and management responsibilities.

 This position will drive new ideas, collaborate among various stakeholders, and ensure strong communication internally and externally.

Responsibilities:

• Support the vision of the Governor, Land Board and Director.
• Work effectively and with the Governor’s Office communications team, land board members and their staff, legislators, and other agencies.
• Develop and manage collaborative relationships and provide outreach to stakeholders and elected officials.
• Develop, establish and prioritize a communication strategy consistent with the Department’s mission, vision and strategic plan.
• Promote strong internal communication and coordination within and across Department Divisions and programs.
• Develop and coordinate communication strategies and messaging on IDL fires during fire season.
• Proactively position IDL's communications and relations with Land Board, Governor's Office, Legislature, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries from the media, legislature, the public and IDL customers.
• Conduct media interviews and coordinate media events.
• Coordinate information and draft testimony for legislative hearings.
• Draft press releases and opinion editorials for the Department.
• Provide vision, leadership, planning, and management for all aspects of IDL's communications.
• Track and provide analysis, comment, testimony, and communications regarding local, state, and federal natural resource management initiatives, proposed actions and proposed rules pertaining to IDL’s business.
• Oversee the Department’s website, including online content to ensure it remains accurate and current.
• Maximize technology including digital and social media to provide citizens, IDL customers and employees user-friendly, accurate information and tools to connect with Department Resources.
• Act as an advocate for sound natural resource management policies and practices.
• Supervise, provide leadership and evaluate the performance of two (2) Public Information Officers.

You must possess all the minimum qualifications below. Please make sure your resume and work history support this. Failure to do so may disqualify you from being considered for this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• • Fire (5) years of progressive experience directly related to the job responsibilities reflected above, including public and media relations.
  • Experience in managing and directing professional staff.
  • Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to establish a clear vision for programs within the position’s responsibility and guide staff towards efficient implementation.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • A track record of demonstrated leadership, vision and innovation for delivering results, building accountability for staff, and creating a positive work environment.
  • Good Knowledge of:
  • Current trends in digital and social media
  • Writing, editing, proofreading, and layout and design
  • Printing and publishing tools such as: Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Adobe In Design, Drupal, or WordPress.

  Desired Qualifications:

• Graduation from a full four (4) year college with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a directly related field.
• Knowledge of state government structures and political processes.
• Ability to understand the political environment and to adjust for the opportunities and challenges it brings.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of natural resource programs sufficient to establish professional credibility.
• Experience directly related to one or more programs similar to those within IDL.