Idaho Department of Education
This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department's employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.
The Digital Communications Manager is responsible for developing and managing the Idaho Department of Education's digital communications, multimedia content, social media presence and brand identity. As a member of the Communications team, this position creates and distributes public-facing content; manages digital and social media initiatives; and helps ensure department communications are consistent, recognizable, accessible and aligned with established brand standards. The position also serves as a key steward of the department's brand, maintaining brand standards, digital assets and templates and helping employees and partners use them effectively.
This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Promote and publicize department news, events, programs, outreach, opportunities and other information through department social media channels and platforms, as well as relevant external information.
- Create timely content including social media messaging; produced short-, mid- and long-form video; podcasts; and other audio-focused messaging.
- Write and edit scripts for video and audio content.
- Analyze public-facing content and its impact.
- Employ various graphic design tools to create material that supports and enhances social media and other digital communications.
- Ensure consistency in voice, tone, messaging and visual identity across department communications and digital platforms, in alignment with department and the Superintendent vision, priorities and established brand standards.
- Collaborate with the communications team to ensure internal and external communications are consistent, recognizable, accessible and compliant with established department brand standards.
- Maintain and regularly update the department's brand standards and style guide, including appropriate use of logos, colors, typography, graphics, icons, templates, voice and other brand elements.
- Maintain a centralized library of approved logos, graphics, templates and other digital assets, ensuring employees and partners can easily access current, compliant materials.
- Develop and maintain user-friendly templates and resources that help department teams create materials consistent with established brand standards.
- Review and periodically audit internal and external communications, digital platforms and materials to identify inconsistencies and opportunities to strengthen the department's brand identity.
- Provide guidance and education to employees and partners on department brand standards and appropriate use of department assets, helping employees and partners serve as effective brand ambassadors.
- Monitor digital and online spaces for unauthorized or inappropriate use of department branding, intellectual property infringement, counterfeit products or other uses that could create confusion or reputational risk, and coordinate appropriate response with department leadership and legal counsel when necessary.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen and evolve the department's visual identity, digital presence and brand standards as communication needs, platforms and audiences change.
- Engage with constituents via social media channels with respect, professionalism and integrity.
- Exhibit the ability to work independently while demonstrating discretion and professional judgment that reflects positively on the department and Superintendent.
- Plan and execute short- and long-term digital and social media initiatives in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer, other Communications team members and department teams.
- Occasionally travel to cover events, record video/audio and/or take photographs, including driving a department or personal vehicle.
- Support the web services manager with periodic website maintenance and other related tasks.
- Adhere to applicable laws, regulations and policies, including those regarding student privacy, public information and transparency.
- Adhere to relevant ADA requirements for accessibility of public-facing materials.
- Perform duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under time-sensitive deadlines.
- Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
- Maintain confidentiality when required.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in media production or broadcast journalism, or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling four years.
- Experience producing social media content across various channels, with an understanding of techniques, styles and best practices.
- Strong attention to detail, including the ability to maintain consistency across written, visual and digital communications.
- Experience creating/editing video, live audio production, audio editing, multimedia creation and social media execution.
- Experience writing professional scripts for public-facing content, including audio and video storytelling projects.
- Working knowledge of related software, apps and programs such as Adobe Creative Suite and Hootsuite.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions and comply with department policies and processes.
- Ability to work and sustain performance in a high-profile, public-sector political office.
- Ability to analyze social media statistics and trending issues to develop and implement effective responses.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department employees, supervisory personnel, administrators and constituents.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, handle interruptions and complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under stress and time-sensitive deadlines.
- Demonstrated integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
- Possess a valid Idaho driver's license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation)
This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:
- Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.
- Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.
- Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.
- Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.
- Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.
- Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.
- Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
- Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.
- Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in an education or public-sector environment.
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
- Dexterity to transport and operate office tools and equipment, as well as audio and video recording equipment.
- Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating and preparing office materials as needed.
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.
- Approximately 80% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
- Approximately 20% of time is spent standing, walking, bending and kneeling.
- Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 25 lbs., but may be up to 50 lbs.
BENEFITS:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.
Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.
TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized cover letter, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Please upload your resume, cover letter, reference list, and any additional supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
Your cover letter should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a cover letter, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your cover letter. A resume does not substitute for a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be accepted.
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.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.