What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement position at Metropolitan Council?
Salary : $131,040.00 - $212,742.40 Annually
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 2025-00039
Division : Metro Transit
Department : Mktg Graphics Sales Comm Minn
Opening Date : 02 / 25 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 17 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provided more than 47.5 million rides in 2024 that connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives through an integrated network of bus and rail transportation and resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region :
Metro Transit is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement to lead marketing, creative services, communications, commuter programs and community engagement teams. If you have experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or community relations and a passion for making a positive impact in the Twin Cities, we want to hear from you. Join us in shaping Metro Transit's brand, strengthening community connections, and growing the transit system that keeps our metro moving.
What you would do in this job
Strategic Leadership & Brand Management
- Listen and learn from our customers and community to shape communications and marketing strategies to ensure our services align with their needs, drive engagement, and create a meaningful, lasting impact
- Collaborate with the General Manager and executive team to provide strategic guidance on public communications and branding, ensuring alignment with the agency's strategic plan
- Lead the creation and execution of short- and long-term marketing and communications strategies across print, digital, and social media platforms
Public Relations & Community Engagement
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Data Driven Strategies & Resource Management
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience in in business, communications, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field and completed education in business, communications, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field :
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications) :
Strategic Communication & Public Engagement
Marketing & Digital Strategy
Government & Community Relations
Leadership & Organizational Management
Budget Management & Data-Driven Decision-Making
What knowledge, skills, and abilities should you have within the first six months on the job :
What you can expect from us :
Additional information
Union / Grade : Non-Represented / Grade M
FLSA Status : Exempt
Safety Sensitive : No
What your work environment would be :
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.
What steps the recruitment process involves :
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then :
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background checks if the job you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files / databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT : If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email .
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below :
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free :
Applicant Instructions : The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attached a resume and / or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.
How did you first hear about this job opening?
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. OR if you selected 'Employee Referral', indicate the employee's full name and job title. Type N / A if not applicable.
Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.
Do you have at least five (5) years of management experience leading / directing staff, managing budgets, and overseeing departmental strategic planning?
If you answered "Yes" in the previous question, please describe your experience in management including supervision, budget management, and overseeing departmental strategic planning. If you answered "No", type N / A.
Please describe your ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees. If this does not apply, type "N / A."
Please describe your experience in a leadership role for the public sector with union employees. If this does not apply, type "N / A."
Please describe your experience in providing strategic direction to ensure community engagement efforts are fully integrated into an organization's communications plan. If this does not apply, type "N / A".
Please describe your experience with change management, including specific initiatives you have led or supported. How did you assess the need for change, gain stakeholder buy-in, and address resistance. Additionally, what strategies or frameworks did you use to ensure a smooth transition, and what were the measurable outcomes of your efforts? If this does not apply, type "N / A".
Please describe your experience with project management, including the types of projects you have managed, the methodologies and tools you have used, and how you have handled challenges such as scope changes, tight deadlines, or resource constraints. If this does not apply, type "N / A".
Required Question
Salary : $131,040 - $212,742
