Working Title: Legislative Communications Officer

Job Class: Communications Specialist 1

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID : 82862

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes/hybrid

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 12/25/2024

• Closing Date : Open until filled. Review of applications will begin on 1/06/2025.

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept

• Division/Unit : Communications / Strategic Partnerships

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $26.04 - $37.98 / hourly; $54,371 - $79,302 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

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

• FLSA Status : Non-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.

The position advances the department’s mission through close coordination with the Communications and Legislative Directors to assist with the department’s communications and legislative activities, providing advice and counsel to agency leadership regarding legislative and media issues, developing communications planning and materials, and carrying out special projects and analyses. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist with external communications activities, including development of communications planning and advocacy materials.

• Assist in development and promotion of agency legislative proposals and identify and track legislation of interest.

• Communicate and advocate for the agency’s policies, programs, and actions to important constituencies.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of work experience editing, writing, and producing technical or journalistic documents.

• Knowledge of communications practices and strategies to address a wide variety of audiences and situations.

• Knowledge of or experience in developing key messages to convey to target markets, such as legislature.

• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of employees and customer groups.

• Analytical skills to evaluate, review, and critique policy and program proposals, and to thoughtfully respond and anticipate questions and concerns from a variety of stakeholders.

• Strong writing and editing skills, including technical writing skills.

• Strong organization and project management skills.

• Proficiency with online tools and technology sufficient for creation, curation, and management of electronic management systems, along with electronic and web content.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, public relations, or communications.

• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and plain language principles.

• Knowledge of State policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of information and data practices.

• Knowledge of strategic communication and marketing principles.

• Ability to build and demonstrate a shared vision to foster systematic and strategic thinking.

• Ability to evaluate communications issues, identify potential solutions, implement, and resolve those issues.

• Ability to negotiate and persuade others in a positive manner.

• Creative and innovative approaches and problem-solving.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment.

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.