Government Relations and Communications Officer Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
Location: Helena Status: Full-time Salary: $120,000 to $140,000 depending on experience and qualifications
The Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE), the administrative head of the Montana University System (MUS), invites nominations and applications for the position of Government Relations and Communications Officer. OCHE seeks a creative, collaborative, and visionary leader to develop strategies and manage efforts for interagency engagement with state and federal governmental partners and other public stakeholders. Reporting to the Commissioner of Higher Education, this position serves as the chief government relations and public affairs officer for OCHE and the MUS. The MUS is governed by the constitutionally empowered Montana Board of Regents (BOR), which consists of seven Montanans appointed by the Governor. The MUS delivers an array of teaching, learning, research, and support services to more than 45,000 enrolled college and university students across 16 campuses in Montana.
OCHE works with campuses to guide and improve student success, academic progress and college attainment, technological and scientific discovery, economic development, and workforce readiness. OCHE also provides academic, administrative, fiscal, legal and policy leadership to the MUS. Under the direction of the Board of Regents and Commissioner of Higher Education, OCHE leaders frequently interact and collaborate with campus leaders, students, policy makers, business and industry leaders, and education advocates at all levels. OCHE is committed to providing Montana taxpayers and students with a single efficient, effective system of higher education.
Position Detail:
The Government Relations and Communications Officer provides leadership for the MUS and its institutions in state and federal government relations, external affairs, and communications. This position works closely with the Board of Regents and campus leaders in marketing, communications, development, academics, admissions, research, athletics, and other areas to coordinate government affairs and external relations across the system. In support of the system's strategic goals, the Government Relations and Communications Officer creates and enhances productive working relations with key stakeholders in business, government, education, non-profit and philanthropic communities.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Applications The position is open until filled, with priority consideration given to applications received by November 24, 2025.
Applications should consist of a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for five professional references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.
Applications may be submitted by mail or email to:
OCHE (Attention: Jackie Salveson), 560 North Park Avenue, P.O. Box 203201, Helena, MT 59620-3201, or emailed to OCHEhr@montana.edu.
This position is eligible for veterans' preference in accordance with state law.
Reasonable Accommodations: Under state and federal law qualified applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Modifications or adjustments may be provided to assist applicants to compete in the recruitment and selection process. An applicant must request an accommodation when needed. If you need any such accommodation, contact the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education at 406-449-9155. TDD users may use the relay service by dialing 711.
The Montana University System is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.
Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable Salary: $ 120,000.00 - 140,000.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings : 1 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time Shift : Day Job Travel : Yes, 10 % of the Time Primary Location : Helena Agency : Commissioner of Higher Ed Union : 000 - None Posting Date : Oct 17, 2025, 4:14:35 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References Contact Name : Jackie Salveson | Contact Email : OCHEhr@montana.edu | Contact Phone : 406-449-9155Class A Truck Driving Instructor JobUnited States Truck Driving School is looking for a qualified training Instructor. USTDS is a leader in the training industry and utilizes experienced drivers that have the skills to pass on that knowledge to students using our proven...
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