Working Title: Communications Specialist 1
Job Class: Communications Specialist 1
Agency: Administration Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/15/2024
• Closing Date: 02/05/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Comms-Media,Web,MLS,Register
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
• Salary Range: $24.92 - $36.34 / hourly; $52,032 - $75,877 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• 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 is to advance the agency's communications strategy, which supports the department's strategic plan, division initiatives, and legislative activities, including sharing with the public and agency partners information about the agency's wide range of services and resources. In particular, you will specialize in supporting the APEX Accelerator team mission of helping Minnesota's business grow and develop economic opportunities with local, state, and federal entities. Additionally, you will be responsible for staying abreast of breaking news and contracting awareness to share that knowledge with clients and partners through multiple communications platforms.

Minnesota APEX Accelerator (formerly known as PTAC - Procurement Technical Assistance Center) provides technical and marketing assistance to all Minnesota businesses interested in selling their products and services to the federal, state, and local government entities. We provide the necessary tools to be competitive in the contracting arena. Using market identification, registration assistance, contracting regulations/compliance assistance and on-going technical support, APEX Accelerator helps businesses navigate through the complicated intricacies of obtaining federal, state, and local government contracts. Team members are located throughout the state to better assist all of Minnesota. APEX Accelerator team members advise and assist clients in the identification of market opportunities as well as the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, and registrations necessary for them to do business with federal, state, and local government entities. APEX Accelerator celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all cultures and backgrounds to apply!

To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment that varies by team, position, and business needs. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required.

In addition, some in-state traveling of up to 5% may be necessary for APEX events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of technical/administrative or one (1) year of professional experience editing, writing, and producing technical or journalistic documents.

• Knowledge of communications practices and strategies to address a wide variety of audiences and situations.

• Demonstrated skills in professional social media postings and written business publications or notices.

• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of employees and customer groups.

• Analytical skills to evaluate and understand policy and program proposals.

• Strong website management skills.

• Firm understanding of visual communication concepts.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of State policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of information and data practices.

• Knowledge of accessibility rules and guidelines and plain language principles.

• Ability to build and demonstrate a shared vision to foster systematic and strategic thinking.

• Effective leadership during crisis communication.

• Ability to negotiate and persuade others in a positive manner.

• Creative and innovative approaches and problem-solving.

• Experience with customer relationship management databases, such as CRM.

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 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 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 the Department of Administration

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.

Why Work for Us

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.