Non-Classified Classification

Idaho State Board of Education

Open for Recruitment: November 2, 2011 - November 29, 2011
Announcement # NONCLS076616
Salary Range: $33.66 to $36.21 per hour -Plus Competitive Benefits!

Location(s): Boise

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

PURPOSE
This position provides staff support to the Office of the State Board of Education and the State Board of Education (“Board”), and is responsible for all communication and public relations programs for the Board. The position also acts as a Board liaison with the State Legislature.  The position performs research and analysis of complex and often controversial policy issues and uses this information to inform the public regarding actions advocated or taken by the Board. 
This position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Office of the State Board of Education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements Board communications plan (internal and external)
• Advocates Board’s legislative initiatives
• Works with Chief Planning & Policy Officer to provide policy support to the Board regarding legislative issues
• Responds to complaints and public and legislative information requests (formal, informal and questionnaires), and public records requests
• Handles communications/relations with Governor’s office, Legislature, Board, institutions, agencies, State Department of Education and constituency groups
• Acts as media spokesperson; prepares news releases, conducts press conferences and responds to press inquiries
• Drafts speeches, letters, and presentation materials
• Oversees web content management for the State Board of Education site

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least five years of relevant experience is required; a relevant graduate degree is preferred
• Significant knowledge and expertise in working with media and public relations required
• General knowledge of state government structures (especially Idaho’s K-20 public education system) and political processes.  Previous legislative affairs experience is strongly preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills; previous formal public speaking and presentation experience required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, audio-visual production, and photography
• Strong organization and leadership skills; cooperative team skills; multi-task oriented; self-motivated; ability to work independently and with minimum direction and oversight; strong work ethic
• The position requires frequent in-state travel.

Qualified individuals should submit a cover letter of interest outlining their qualifications for the position and a detailed resume.  Applications must be received by 11/29/2011 via one of the following methods:

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (please submit as pdf or MS-Word attachments and indicate “Communications Officer” in the subject line)

Mail:   Office of the State Board of Education
Attn:  Matt Freeman
650 W State St, 307
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID  83720-0037

*Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements, please contact the Division of Human Resources.