Communications Manager

State of Idaho

Office of the State Board of Education

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho’s external career website will cause duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.

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About the Agency: The Idaho State Board of Education (Board) is established in the Idaho Constitution for the “general supervision of the state educational institutions and public school system.” State law charges the Board with the general supervision, governance and control of public schools and postsecondary institutions, including community colleges. The Board is comprised of eight members: seven appointed by the Governor, as well as the statewide elected superintendent of public instruction. The Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) is charged with providing professional staff support to the Board and implementing the Board’s policies, programs, and initiatives.

Summary: The OSBE Communications Manager supports the External Affairs Director with management of the State Board of Education website content, social media communications strategy, public records requests, and constituent communications.

Responsibilities:

Website Content Manager

• • Manages the design, content, and display of fresh and relevant digital communications on the Board’s website and portal
  • Monitors web development
  • Partners with developers to solve technical issues in displaying content and website functionality
  • Manages content management system, including creating, improving, and maintaining content to meet business needs with current and new tools and platforms (e.g., WordPress, HTML, CSS, etc.)
  • Makes recommendations to improve Search Engine Optimization and website accessibility
  • Collaborates with UI/UL designers, web designers, back-end developers, or hosting services to create compelling user experiences
  • Optimizes front-end elements to improve loading speed and performance

Public Records Request Management

• • Logs Public Records Requests upon receipt and responds to requestor
  • Coordinates the appropriate response with the Office of the State Board of Education and applicable agencies/offices
  • Ensures that state requirements for timely response are met

Social Media Management

• • Manages the design, content, and display of fresh and relevant digital communications on the Board’s social media platforms

Other duties as assigned

• • Assists the External Affairs Director, as needed, with other duties as assigned
  • May be required to travel as needed

This position does not have supervisory responsibility

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• • Environment: Office
  Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 25 lbs, sit for extended periods, travel up to 10%
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• • Two to four years of professional experience in communications, digital media management, public affairs, web content management, or a related field
  • Experience managing website content using a CMS (such as WordPress), along with working knowledge of accessibility standards, SEO best practices, and core digital communications principles
  • Experience with basic HTML/CSS or coordinating technical web updates with developers, plus proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and common digital communication tools
  • Experience developing and managing organizational social media content and communication strategies across multiple platforms
  • Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and managing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including editing, proofreading, and professional correspondence

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, political science, or a related field
  • Experience working in government, higher education, public policy, or a public-sector environment
  • Experience responding to or coordinating public records requests
  • Experience with interpreting and following Idaho public records laws, policies, and timelines, or the ability to quickly learn applicable requirements
  • Experience with graphic design, photography, video editing, or multimedia content creation
  • Experience using analytics tools to evaluate website traffic, social media engagement, and communication effectiveness
  • Experience managing vendor or developer relationships for website or digital communications projects
  • Knowledge of accessibility compliance standards, including ADA best practices
  • Knowledge of Idaho’s higher education system and the mission of the Idaho State Board of Education
  Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and communicate professionally with the public, media, agency partners, and leadership
  

Application Procedure: Prepare a cover letter and resume and attach to your candidate profile.

Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Casie Silvia, Human Resource Business Partner I, at (208) 854-3014 or casie.silvia@dhr.idaho.gov

Special Notification: This position is exempt from the rules of classified service under the provisions of Section 67-5303, Idaho Code. This position is educational professional exempt from overtime. The successful applicant will be required to pass a background check.

Benefits:

In addition to salary, the State of Idaho contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee’s annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package! This robust total compensation and benefits package includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reduction benefits

The State Board of Education requires participation in the Idaho Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) for benefited and non-classified staff who do not have previous credited service with PERSI. The Idaho ORP is a defined contribution plan (401(a)) where both the employer and employee make contributions to the individual employee's account. Employees are immediately vested when enrolled in the ORP. The record keeper for the ORP is Fidelity Investments, and the ORP plan is administered by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education also provides supplemental deferred compensation (457(b)) and 403(b) plans. More information can be found here : https://boardofed.idaho.gov/data-research/finance-administration/retirement-plans/

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov . (If you have a contact for applicant accommodations at your agency, please replace the contact information).

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.