Media Relations Specialist - Communications Specialist 4

Working Title: Media Relations Specialist Job Class: Communications Specialist 4 Agency: Human Services Dept Job ID : 81115 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 : 10/18/2024 Closing Date : 10/31/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office Division/Unit : DHS-Central Office / DHS Media Team Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm Days of Work : Monday - Friday Travel Required : No Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / annually Classified Status : Classified Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify. 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. * Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available .* As a member of the Media Team, this position is responsible for determining priorities and objectives for the management of day-to-day media relations; crisis communications; communications issue management; and proactive external communications. The position has broad responsibility for message development and disseminating public information to the media and other external partners, typically on highly visible and sensitive topics under tight deadlines. This position also manages the development and execution of communications strategies to mitigate the impact of critical issues, including emergency management. The incumbent serves as a senior advisor to agency executives and coordinates closely with other members of the Communications Office. Media Team members work closely with both the Chief Communications Officer and members of Executive Management Team. Responsibilities include but may not be limited to: Manage media relations activities for assigned areas of the department. Develop messages and communications strategies to effectively communicate with external audiences. Develop and execute external events for the commissioner and other senior leaders to publicize and build support for the agency’s strategic priorities. Represent the agency to partners to develop strategies and plan logistics. Coach and advise senior leadership on interviews or other interactions with media representatives. Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership regarding communications aspects of key projects or issues. Lead emergency communications planning and response for Media Team and communications. Participate in Communications Office activities to support office goals, objectives, and plans. Minimum Qualifications To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held. Three (3) years of experience working in the Communications field demonstrating the following: Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism sufficient to foresee potential media issues, prepare for questions the media may ask, and advise agency leadership on media relations strategies in response to high profile and sensitive issues. Understanding of best practices in journalism and public relations. Ability to plan and implement complex communications strategies. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write using AP style and plain language. Editing and proofreading skills. Experience developing and implementing communications plans, with a proven record of meeting goals. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of the legislative process, protocol, and political sensitivities. Knowledge of the department’s mission, goals, programs, operations issues, delivery structure, policies and procedures and an understanding of governing laws. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or related field, or equivalent professional experience. Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Additional Requirements REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment. 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.