Public Information Officer (PIO) Supervisor

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=25142201&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

JOB DUTIES:

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO) Supervisor to lead a high-performing communications team that includes PIO, graphic design, digital content, and events staff. This leader will oversee agency communications that build trust, transparency, and engagement with Montanans.

This role is central to the agency’s citizen-first mission—ensuring workers, businesses, legislators, and staff have timely, accurate, and accessible information about DLI programs and services. The PIO Supervisor partners with the Director of Policy & Public Affairs, agency leadership, and division teams to guide messaging that reflects the departments values of service, accountability, and innovation.

The PIO Supervisor will:

• Lead and manage a communications team (PIOS, design and digital staff, and events teams), setting goals, providing coaching, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Direct proactive communication by developing, writing, and distributing press releases, newsletters, website updates, and other public information materials.
• Serve as primary media liaison, coordinating press conferences, responding to inquiries, and ensuring accurate and timely coverage of the DLI’s work.
• Oversee digital presence, including content strategy, visual design, and social media engagement, ensuring consistency and accessibility across platforms.
• Provide crisis and emergency communications that deliver clear, fact-based information to the public and staff in coordination with the Governor’s Office.
• Strengthen internal communication by equipping leadership and staff with clear guidance, ensuring consistent messaging across divisions.
• Engage stakeholders—businesses, labor groups, educators, legislators, tribal nation leaders, and citizens—fostering trust through transparency and responsiveness.
• Monitor and analyze media and public sentiment, providing insights to agency leadership to inform decision-making.
• Support organizational initiatives and campaigns, helping divisions share success stories and highlight services available to Montanans.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Leadership & Supervision: Lead a communications team, delegate effectively, and provide coaching to build individual and team performance.
• Clear Communication: Write, edit, and present information with clarity, accuracy, and impact across formats (press releases, speeches, digital content, visual media).
• Digital & Design Management: Use digital platforms and design tools strategically, ensuring accessible and consistent messaging across websites, social media, and print.
• Crisis Management: Communicate effectively under pressure, especially during emergencies, providing accurate and timely updates.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain productive relationships with media, staff, partners, and the public.
• Research & Analysis: Apply data analysis to monitor sentiment, evaluate communication impact, and adjust strategies.
• Project & Priority Management: Manage multiple priorities with attention to detail, deadlines, and outcomes.
• Adaptability & Judgement: Demonstrate sound decision-making in dynamic and rapidly changing environments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate:

• Proven success leading or supervising communications, media, public information, or events teams.
• Experience developing strategic communication plans, managing media relations, or driving public engagement.
• Ability to lead or support crisis and emergency communications with agency leadership.
• Familiarity with Montana’s workforce, labor, or economic development landscape.
• Skills may be gained through a combination of professional experience, training, or education. A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is one pathway, but not required. Equivalent experience in communications, design, or public information is fully considered.

Work Experience (Preferred)

• Demonstrated success in strategic communications, media relations, or public engagement roles.
• Experience leading or supporting crisis communications.
• Familiarity with Montana’s workforce, labor, or economic development landscape.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

• Writing Samples (Required): Provide 3-5 writing samples of your professional work, such as:

  • Press releases or media advisories;
  • Op-Eds, speeches, or talking-points;
  • Social media campaigns or web content;
  • Public information materials (fact sheets, reports, newsletters);
  • Crisis or emergency communication messages

  
  Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

  All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

  If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.