Legislative Communications Officer-Communications Specialist 1

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: 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.

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 Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us or 651-201-2434.

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 Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us.

About Administration Dept

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.