The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone. We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious. DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota. Working Title: Communications Specialist Job Class: Communications Specialist 3 Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 79481 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week . Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/23/2024. Date Posted: 08/17/2024 Closing Date: 08/30/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment & Economic Development Department / MAPE Division/Unit: Communications & Marketing Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 5% local and regional daytime travel Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / 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. Job Summary DEED's mission is to empower the growth of Minnesota's economy, for everyone, and one of its core values is to communicate early and often. In this important role, you will ensure that value is realized with one of our most important constituencies: the people of Minnesota, through all the channels they use to consume information. As DEED's Communications Specialist, you will develop strategies that promote and highlight DEED initiatives and priorities that help grow Minnesota's workforce, enhance the development of our business community and ensure Minnesota's economic competitiveness. This position will craft and produce public-facing content across many DEED channels, including press releases, commentary pieces, messages to partners and stakeholders, and others. You will partner with members of the Communications team and other DEED officials to develop new strategies for many of the agency's owned channels, including blogs, success stories and others. You will work on special strategic communications projects at the request of the DEED Communications Director and Strategic Communications and Public Relations Director. You will also work with DEED leadership to develop talking points and ensure message consistency as they represent the agency in the media and with the public. Using superior writing skills and creativity, you will contribute to DEED's success by helping frame and promote the work we're doing for Minnesota. In short, as DEED's new Communications Specialist, you will craft narratives and create content within a cohesive strateg c communications framework to drive awareness of DEED, its programs and its impact in Minnesota and beyond. This position is telework eligible and is occasionally required to be on-site at the St. Paul office. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment and may telework from anywhere in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications 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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Three (3) years of communications experience, in either public relations, marketing, or journalism. Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: Experience writing for the general public, including talking points, press releases, blog posts, speeches, or news articles, with a close attention to detail. Experience working in a government, corporate or nonprofit communications department; and/or experience working in a newsroom. Experience producing and executing communications plans. Experience working with individuals in positions of executive-level leadership or elected office. Experience working in plain language, with demonstrated success gathering information and applying AP Style correctly and cleanly within deadlines. Knowledge of the function of the media (print, TV, radio and online; local, state, and national), including processes and participants. Preferred Qualifications Experience with social media tools (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) or owned channels (such as blogs) to be able to create and promote communications with the public. Knowledge of Minnesota's economic and political landscape. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment with multiple and varied assignments and deadlines. Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of the following: A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components: Criminal Background Check Employment Record Review (current and former State employees only) Employment Reference Check Conflict of Interview Review Driver's Record Check The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. 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 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 . Connect 700 Program 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 name or Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us . Veterans To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date. Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the