Regional Information Officer / Communications Specialist 2

Working Title : Regional Information Officer

Job Class : Communications Specialist 2

Agency : MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID

84271

Location

New Ulm

Telework Eligible

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Regular / Temporary

Unlimited

Who May Apply

Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted

02 / 21 / 2025

Closing Date

03 / 13 / 2025

Hiring Agency / Seniority Unit

Department of Natural Resources

Division / Unit

Operation Services Division / OCO Region 4

Work Shift / Work Hours

Day Shift

Days of Work

Monday - Friday

Travel Required

Salary Range :

28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually

Classified Status

Classified

Bargaining Unit / Union

214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl / MAPE

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Regional Information Officer in New Ulm, MN.

This position exists to lead, develop, and execute a proactive regional communication and outreach program with cross-divisional and statewide impact and implications. This position is under the administrative direction of the OSD regional manager with program guidance from the assistant communications director and the regional director. This position coordinates agency-wide, cross-divisional communication initiatives which are regionally based but with statewide impact. This position provides leadership, strategic direction and overall guidance on communications, public relations, and outreach issues for the Regional Management Team (RMT).

This position will train for and serve when assigned as member of the Regional Incident Support Team (RIST) or an assigned Incident Management Team (IMT) as the Public Information Officer so that emergency operations are supported and facilitated in collecting, communicating, and reporting incident information to the appropriate administrative leadership and general public. The position will also serve as the regional communications coordinator in crisis situations as appropriate or assigned.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Develop internal and external media content for multiple communication platforms and regional, divisional, and agency-wide customers that communicates agency priorities and enhances the end users' experience through informational and public relations efforts.

Develop and execute regional communication and outreach efforts that have regional and statewide impact and that support DNR’s strategies and initiatives. Lead statewide communications efforts for events and initiatives that originate or take place in the region.

Serve as the regional communication authority; provide media training and policy guidance for agency staff and the regional director in support of agency communication needs.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis for meetings, training, onboarding, or as needed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of professional level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, and outreach.

A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience in lead work sufficient to provide media training and policy guidance and motivate staff.

Experience in public relations, sufficient to serve as the media spokesperson regarding crisis communications and sensitive issue management.

Experience with providing communications in a public environment, including working with internal and external stakeholders, government and non-government partners, or local officials.

Knowledge of journalistic principles, including AP style proficiency sufficient to write compelling media releases.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to address complex communications and public relations challenges.

Photography, and videography skills sufficient to create and edit social media posts and media visuals.

Audio production skills sufficient to create radio actualities and assist in podcast creation.

Organizational and time management skills sufficient to delegate and manage multiple projects.

Project management and facilitation skills sufficient to manage complex communications planning efforts.

Ability to write comprehensive, multi-faceted communications plans.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism or closely related field.

Knowledge of natural resources and outdoor recreation issues and management.

Knowledge of the legislative process and political landscape.

Knowledge of DNR goals, policies and procedures sufficient to develop communication plans and programs.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components :

Conflict of Interest Review

Criminal History Check

Education Verification

Employment Reference / Records Check

License / Certification Verification

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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

Salary : $60,176 - $88,343