Communications Director - Communications Manager 3

Job Details

Working Title: Communications Director
Job Class: Communications Manager 3
Agency: 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 : 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.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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 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.

AND

Demonstrated 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 Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-291-5617 .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us .

About Health Department

Come and work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.