Job ID 90359 - Commissioner's Office Communications Specialist

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.

Job Summary

As a communications specialist 3, Commissioner’s Office, this position will work with the most senior leadership in the agency under the direction of the supervisor, external communications and content as a supervisor and the assistant communications director as manager to develop a communications platform for and build messaging for agency commissioner, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners. The position will develop and execute proactive media strategies, including media and outreach events with key stakeholder groups to support MPCA initiatives and engagement opportunities. The communications specialist will be responsible for activities ranging from developing messages and crafting communication materials to preparing speakers and events targeting various audiences, leveraging traditional and new media, and assessing the impact of communication tactics. This communications specialist will serve as liaison with the MPCA Commissioner’s Office, responsible for writing official remarks for the commissioner, deputy/assistant commissioners, or another Commissioner’s Office designee, as well as supporting events any of the above may attend. This includes writing and preparing commissioners’ briefing documents and coordinating with program staff on content development as necessary. 

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications: Three (3) years of professional experience in strategic communications, including media relations.

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

Demonstrated experience developing executive leadership platforms, messaging and presentations including development of PowerPoint materials and speeches.

Demonstrated speechwriting skills with the ability to quickly formulate complex topics, including those related to legislative action, and messaging into clear, concise and digestible information for a variety of audiences including lawmakers and the general public.

Ability to build strong relationships with organization’s top leadership and to convey complex information in leaders’ tone and style.

Ability to quickly understand the agency’s mission, goals, programs, operational issues, delivery structure, policies, procedures and governing laws to effectively represent the agency in materials for senior leadership during regular and legislative sessions.

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

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a government or public sector environment. 

Demonstrated knowledge of political and legislative processes at state and/or federal level.

Demonstrated experience communicating with external parties about environmental policy issues.

Experience managing large-scale communications projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, timeline management, and resource allocation. 

Demonstrated ability to effectively and confidently persuade, present, and champion recommendations and objectives.

Proficiency in understanding and using Associated Press style.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: 

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification 
• Employment Reference / Records Check 
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.