Forward Montana Foundation (FMF) is seeking a full-time Content Specialist to create engaging content that supports programmatic, development, and organizational goals at Forward Montana and Forward Montana Foundation.

The ideal candidate is someone with graphic design skills and a passion for following Montana news. You’ll excel in this role if you love social media, have a knack for connecting with trends, you’re a newshound, and you have all-star writing skills.

Who We Are

Forward Montana (FMT) and Forward Montana Foundation (FMF) are dedicated to engaging and mobilizing young Montanans to help shape their democracy to improve their lives and the lives of fellow Montanans. We put young people on the front lines of civic engagement statewide, basing our efforts out of Bozeman, Bozeman, Billings, and the greater Flathead area.

What You’ll Do

The Content Specialist reports to the Communications Manager and is responsible for the following:

  • Identify and brainstorm creative ways to get Forward Montana’s audience(s) excited about democracy and involved in programming
  • Create fun and engaging graphics, short videos, and social media posts that support organizational goals 
  • Write copy for emails, social media posts, blog posts, opinion pieces, letters to the editors, and other writing pieces as assigned
  • Collecting photos and videos from staff members along with getting out into the field yourself to document the badass organizing happening! 
  • Managing social media channels and strategy by collaborating with Communications Manager on larger communications strategy, planning, developing, and publishing all content, and evaluating performance.  

Must-Haves
Here’s what success looks like:

  • Creative passion and experience:
    • You can use web-based tools like Canva for social media requests
    • You’ve already learned/want to become proficient in the Adobe suite
    • You understand Forward Montana’s ~*vibe*~ and are excited to continue to reach new audiences through innovative an inviting design and channels 
  • Writing chops:
    • You can take complex ideas (like a bill proposed in the MT legislature) and boil it down to a few bite-sized, accessible bullet points 
    • You easily navigate between writing captions for social posts and long-form content like blog posts
    • You’re not afraid to be cheeky in your writing and know how to adopt a brand voice
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently to manage a variety of projects and deadlines:
    • You’re comfortable balancing multiple requests per day
    • You have an iterative approach to systems and are open to collaborating with the Communications Manager to 
    • You’re not afraid to ask for support when determining what project you should prioritize 
    • You can identify ideas for dynamic content and get started on your own 
  • Up to date on social media platform best practices and trends
    • Even if you don’t personally use every social channel, you understand the value of social media for storytelling, outreach, and engagement!
    • You’re comfortable being funny, bold, and casual when it comes to creating social media content and harnessing trends quickly 
  • Actively Anti-Racist:
    • You are committed to actively contributing to a more equitable and inclusive FMT by facilitating conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice with the program team and our broader organization.
    • You’re committed to amplifying young voices to advocate for a more progressive, just Montana.
    • You recognize how your own identities show up in the work and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback while continuously learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference. 

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we encourage you to apply.

If you were the Bozeman Field Manager right now, you would be:

  • Monitoring relevant topics on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok as well as local news sources
  • Creating bold graphics in Canva to publish on social media using branding guidelines and best practices
  • Collaborating with the Senior Organizing Manager to plan, write, and publish blog posts and podcasts
  • Pitching ideas for Forward Montana Foundation merch and swag 
  • Attending community-building events to capture photos and video

What Else You Should Know

Forward Montana is an equal opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by our issues and work. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ2S+ people, women, and people with disabilities to apply.

Logistics

  • This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and is based in Montana. Applicants must be permanent residents of Montana. Preferred locations are Missoula, Bozeman, or Billings.
  • You must be comfortable working unconventional hours occasionally — including nights and weekends
  • This position includes both in-person and virtual components based on public health guidance around COVID-19
  • You must be comfortable being managed and building relationships with our statewide team remotely

The salary for this position ranges from $40,000 – $43,000. Forward Montana also offers the following benefits:

  • 100% Employer paid Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
  • Opt-in Employee paid Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Retirement plan with a 3% match
  • Technology reimbursement
  • Professional development funds
  • Generous paid time off, including paid family and medical leave

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and one-page cover letter stating your interest in the position, why you think you’d be the right fit for Communications Manager at Forward Montana, and what skillsets you’d be excited to grow & develop in this position and previous samples of work that showcase your creative skills. 

Please send application materials to hiring@forwardmontana.org.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, preference will be given to applications who submit materials by September 26th. Preferred start date for this position is October 25th.