Communications Director - Communications Manager 3

Working Title: Communications DirectorJob Class: Communications Manager 3Agency: Health Department

Job ID : 80410

Location : St. Paul

Telework Eligible : Yes

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 09/24/2024

Closing Date : 10/14/2024

Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health

Division/Unit : Executive Office / Communications

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : No

Salary Range: $53.91 - $77.26 / hourly; $112,564 - $161,318 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial Plan

FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

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.Join a mission-driven team in Communications Unit of the Executive Office of the Minnesota Department of Health where your expertise will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans.The Minnesota Department of Health MDH) Communications Office serves as a department-wide resource for public information, communications, and outreach, ensuring that the news media, key stakeholders, the general public, and other audiences receive timely, accurate, and clear information about the Department of Health's priorities, activities, policies, and programs. This work supports the department's goals and is essential to advancing public health in Minnesota. By delivering reliable communication, the communications team plays a critical role in building trust with both internal and external stakeholders.Working as the Communications Director you will:

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of communication strategies and management across workstreams (media relations, public information, internal communications, creative services, digital media strategy, cultural communications, and public outreach).

Serve as MDH Key Liaison for Media Relations, Governor's Office and State and Local Agencies.

Collaborate with MDH division leaders and staff to ensure that high quality public communication aligned with MDH's mission, vision and goals reach all Minnesotans, reflecting the state's cultural and geographic diversity.

Provide expert communication consultation and executive leadership on critical and emerging public health and communication issues.

Provide administrative and supervisory leadership to Communications Office staff and manger Communications budget.

Cultivate and promote an inclusive work environment for all with respect to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Build and manage a strong team to execute the communications strategy.

This is a hybrid telework position that requires in-person meetings with external stakeholders as well as in-office work in the downtown St. Paul location. Telework will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.Minimum QualificationsTo facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.Four (4) years of experience overseeing traditional communications workstreams, such as media relations, public information, internal communications, as well as newer efforts in digital media strategy, cultural communications, or public outreach.ANDDemonstrated leadership experience that may include any of the following:

Experience working as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, or project lead.

Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI).

Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization.

A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must also include:

1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions

100+ hours per year time commitment

(A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment. Projects are efforts with defined phases where a combination of organizational resources including a pre-determined budget are pulled together toward a specified objective. These efforts are usually discontinued once the project is completed.)A degree in Communications may substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.Minimum requirements to be assessed during the interview process:

Commitment to treating employees inclusively in the areas of reasonable accommodation, individualized resource needs, training, and development, irrespective of cultural differences.

Ability to address politically, culturally, and/or socially sensitive issues that require decisions that could be subject to significant media and public scrutiny.

Ability to establish and maintain effective internal organization working relationships within a highly complex and diverse organizational environment.

Ability to develop work plans and metrics and execute strategic initiatives.

Strong written and verbal skills.

Experience in leading and managing a communications team, with a track record of developing and executing communication strategies that support organizational goals.

Ability to develop and implement cross-platform communication strategies, including traditional and digital media, with a focus on proactive media outreach and crisis communication.

Experience working with high-level stakeholders such as executive leadership, government agencies, media outlets, and community organizations.

Familiarity with government or public health communications, including navigating complex regulatory environments and working across multiple levels of government.

Strong experience serving as a spokesperson and managing media inquiries, with proven ability to handle high-profile, controversial, or time-sensitive issues.

Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience in integrating these principles into communication strategies.

Experience overseeing a budget and ensuring the effective allocation of resources in alignment with organizational priorities.

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across a diverse set of internal and external partners.

Knowledge of digital media platforms, web strategy, and social media analytical tools.

Familiarity with tools for media tracking, audience engagement, and content management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with media relations and senior level executives.

Experience engaging with reports/data and translating for the general public.

Public relations or community relations experience.

Exceptional public speaking abilities with experience preparing and coaching senior leadership for media interviews, press briefings, and public appearances.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including elected officials, tribal governments, community organizations, and advocacy groups.

Additional RequirementsThis position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota 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.