Communications Director - Communications Supervisor

Working Title: Communications Director
Job Class: Communications Supervisor
Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 03/06/2024
• Closing Date: 03/19/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Cannabis Management
• Division/Unit: Communications
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $38.74 - $55.69 / hourly; $80,889 - $116,280 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association (MMA)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position will lead the communications efforts for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) by working with the senior leadership team on strategic communications planning and acting as chief spokesperson for the agency. The incumbent will provide counsel and project execution for internal and external clients and will supervise the day-to-day work and long-term strategic communications plan for the agency.

The incumbent will oversee the daily output of written, graphic, presentational, social media and promotional communications for the agency and its various divisions. This position oversees the Communications staff and manages the production schedule, assignments and output for all communications materials. This position will be part of the OCM Senior Leadership Team.

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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 years of experience in communications and public relations. A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Experience supervising or leading the work of others that includes assigning and reviewing projects.

Demonstrated proficiency in media relations, interviewing and working with the media.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain positive relations with a wide variety of people and backgrounds.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.

Previous managerial or supervisory experience within a communications office.

Experience in government services.

Knowledge of the cannabis industry.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal Background Check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How to Apply

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

If you have questions about the position, contact Katie Knutson at katie.m.knutson@state.mn.us.

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 Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.

About Cannabis Management Office

Be a part of building the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) from the group up and supporting Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. The OCM will serve as the primary regulatory agency for the state's hew and expanding cannabis industry, (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing lower-potency hemp edibles), issue business licenses, provide education and technical support to the new businesses, administer grants to support community reinvestment, and oversee all aspects of Minnesota's cannabis industry.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.