Working Title : Communications Strategist

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

• Job ID: 83527

• Location: St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes (telework-eligible and is occasionally required to be on site at the St. Paul office at least once per week. Please note the telework policy could change in the future with notice.)

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted: 01/23/2025

• Closing Date: 02/05/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Veterans Affairs-MAPE

• Division/Unit: Department of Veterans Affairs / Communications

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - regular local travel and occasional travel to greater Minnesota including possible overnight stays

• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,649 - $98,240 / annually

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status: Exempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Earn a competitive wage, have affordable and comprehensive insurance benefits, a retirement plan, paid time off and more!

The Communications Strategist is responsible for developing, implementing and leading key projects and initiatives that support proactive, comprehensive and strategic planning and execution of internal and external communications that advance the mission and priorities of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

This position is telework-eligible and is occasionally required to be on site at the St. Paul office at least once per week. Please note the telework policy could change in the future with notice.

This role will have regular local travel and occasional travel to greater Minnesota including possible overnight stays.

Responsibilities include:

• Project Manager of the planning, development, production and distribution of the MDVA Annual Report.

• Serves as Producer for MDVA for Minnesota Military Radio – a weekly radio program in collaboration with the Minnesota National Guard, Minneapolis VA Health Care System and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

• Lead planning and execution of annual State of Minnesota Veterans Day event/observance.

• Aligning with MDVA strategies and goals, provide regular content and editorial decisions to all of MDVA communications, internal and external. Serve as editor of Monthly Minnesota Veteran Newsletter, monthly MDVA Jobs Bulletin and weekly Friday Digest online publications.

• Collaborate with the Director and Assistant Director to complete a variety of strategic communications that align with Department goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of experience in communications or public relations.

• Experience developing, producing and executing communications plans, including crafting messages, identifying target audiences, developing content strategies and writing for a variety of platforms.

• Experience with leading and executing projects.

• Knowledge of planning large events to include very important person (VIP) speakers.

• Writing and editing skills, producing audience-focused content using plain language and Associated Press (AP) style.

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, and X) and other posting and content management tools.

• Human relations and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively and create understanding within with a wide range of clientele, partners and interested parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English or another related field

• Knowledge of government organizations, functions and relationships

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

• Finalists may be required to pass a driver's license check.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.