Government Relations and Communications Officer Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

Location: Helena Status: Full-time Salary: $120,000 to $140,000 depending on experience and qualifications

The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE), the administrative head of the Montana University System (MUS), invites nominations and applications for the position of Government Relations and Communications Officer. OCHE seeks a creative, collaborative, and visionary leader to develop strategies and manage efforts for interagency engagement with state and federal governmental partners and other public stakeholders. Reporting to the Commissioner of Higher Education, this position serves as the chief government relations and public affairs officer for OCHE and the MUS. The MUS is governed by the constitutionally empowered Montana Board of Regents (BOR), which consists of seven Montanans appointed by the Governor. The MUS delivers an array of teaching, learning, research, and support services to more than 45,000 enrolled college and university students across 16 campuses in Montana.

OCHE works with campuses to guide and improve student success, academic progress and college attainment, technological and scientific discovery, economic development, and workforce readiness. OCHE also provides academic, administrative, fiscal, legal and policy leadership to the MUS. Under the direction of the Board of Regents and Commissioner of Higher Education, OCHE leaders frequently interact and collaborate with campus leaders, students, policy makers, business and industry leaders, and education advocates at all levels. OCHE is committed to providing Montana taxpayers and students with a single efficient, effective system of higher education.

Position Detail:

The Government Relations and Communications Officer provides leadership for the MUS and its institutions in state and federal government relations, external affairs, and communications. This position works closely with the Board of Regents and campus leaders in marketing, communications, development, academics, admissions, research, athletics, and other areas to coordinate government affairs and external relations across the system. In support of the system's strategic goals, the Government Relations and Communications Officer creates and enhances productive working relations with key stakeholders in business, government, education, non-profit and philanthropic communities.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute a comprehensive, proactive governmental affairs strategy that advances the MUS's mission and strategic plan with local, state, and federal elected officials.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships across political lines at the state and national level to advocate on behalf of the MUS and its campuses.
• Monitor and advise on legislation and policy at the state and national level to keep MUS leadership informed about relevant policy proposals and actions.
• Lead efforts to secure funding at the state and national level that furthers MUS and campus priorities.
• Serve as a member of the Commissioner's executive leadership team.
• Prepare and staff the Commissioner and MUS leaders as needed for meetings with local, state, and federal officials.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to state and federal officials, including representing or coordinating the representation of the MUS before legislative and other governmental bodies.
• Work closely with MUS leadership to identify and prioritize legislative and government relations issues for the system.
• Draft and prepare legislation for consideration by the Montana Legislature.
• Prepare communications for the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Board of Regents.
• Supervise and coordinate the development of a range of materials in support of the system's government relations agenda, including policy updates and summaries, talking points, factsheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
• Supervise and coordinate policy efforts from the system level with assistance from campus governmental affairs and communications staff.
• With assistance from MUS staff, plan and implement events and other activities to support the MUS's government relations goals.
• Work closely with higher education interest groups and associations to advance MUS priorities.

Qualifications:

• Significant knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative processes.
• Ability to work with various stakeholders and individuals across the political spectrum.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team, as well as independently.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory processes.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and demands in an organized and productive manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Montana Board of Regents and the governance structure of the MUS.
• Experience responding to media inquiries and requests for information from governmental entities, officials, and the media.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Significant knowledge of legal and policy issues impacting higher education.
• Bachelor's degree with a major in public administration, public relations, journalism, or related field and five years of increasingly responsible experience in the areas of public administration, communications, economic development and media relations. Master's degree preferred.
• Proven record of success in an administrative position with responsibility for guiding strategy.
• Prefer higher education administrative leadership experience with similar responsibilities to this position.

Applications The position is open until filled, with priority consideration given to applications received by November 24, 2025.

Applications should consist of a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for five professional references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

Applications may be submitted by mail or email to:

OCHE (Attention: Jackie Salveson), 560 North Park Avenue, P.O. Box 203201, Helena, MT 59620-3201, or emailed to [email protected].

This position is eligible for veterans' preference in accordance with state law.

Reasonable Accommodations: Under state and federal law qualified applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Modifications or adjustments may be provided to assist applicants to compete in the recruitment and selection process. An applicant must request an accommodation when needed. If you need any such accommodation, contact the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education at 406-449-9155. TDD users may use the relay service by dialing 711.

The Montana University System is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.