Job Description

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

*Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

Staff Vacancy Announcement

Strategic Communications invites applications for a Media Manager to be an active, engaged lead in all phases of UM communication efforts. In this position you will coordinate the preparation production and distribution of written content through the University of Montana while maintaining and ensuring the UM brand and written voice.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Identifying and composing diverse stories through UM News Service
• Social media writing
• Supporting the creation and editing of university-wide communications
• Using other content platforms when requested (including pieces for Admissions and Marketing)
• Working with associates to respond to media inquiries, both written and verbal
• Organize photography to secure professional, timely and meaningful content for feature stories 
• Assist the Strategic Communications Director in consulting and identifying UM content to determine the best media treatment
• Track presentation of digital media analytics for select stories
• Provide written copy for video and graphic production when needed
• Supervise interns and student workers as necessary

At times, the person in this position will be asked to provide lead communications support initiatives from the President’s Office and other key UM stakeholders. 

Required Skills:

• Ability to plan, coordinate, develop, schedule, and deploy digital content
• Demonstrated proficiency with written and verbal communication and social media content development
• Ability to work with students both as employees and guests
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and maintain good communication and relationships with various stakeholders and internal customers
• Ability to establish and maintain clear lines of communication with students, campus departments, outside agencies, businesses and the public
• Ability to supervise multiple projects, establishing production schedules, setting priorities, managing deadlines, and assigning various tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, sensitivity and professionalism

Minimum Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or a related field and at least five (5) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in journalism, English or a related field and ten (10) years of experience working with publications, news or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Previous journalism experience

About the Strategic Communications Department and :

In our sector, we strive every day to proudly tell the UM story. We do that in a myriad of ways – through our communication with campus, the community and our stakeholder groups; working with alumni on new projects and in reciting students and their families to this great university. In everything we do, we work to be open, proactive, clear and responsive.

The University of Montana is a flagship, R1 research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains where three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.  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.

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 : 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.

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

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Position Details:

Position Title:              Media Manager

Position Number:        000990

Department:                

Work Schedule:          Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), 12 months/year

     Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm,

     some nights and weekends when needed

Salary:                          $23.059/hr.

Union Affiliation:         FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period:  Six months minimum

:           Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan,

     partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

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).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

Priority Application Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below.

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 (3) examples (copies of work or document with links to websites) of relevant writing should be provided during the interview process.
   • Finalists for the position may be asked to perform a writing and editing test. 

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

Job Location

Missoula, Montana, United States

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular