Ensuring every child receives a quality education, no matter their race or zip code. The Minnesota Department of Education serves a wide and diverse range of groups: K-12 students and their families; young children participating in a variety of early learning programs including Head Start and Early Childhood Family Education; adult learners participating in adult education programs including GED and citizenship programs; school districts; charter schools; teachers; libraries and librarians.

MDE values:
Collaboration: Partner and serve for the greater good.
Leadership: Take ownership and responsibility.
Equity: Innovate for justice, fairness and inclusion.

Working Title: District Communications Specialist
Job Class: Education Program Specialist
Agency: Education Department

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/15/2024
• Closing Date: 05/06/2024
• Bid Open Date: 04/15/2024
• Bid Close Date: 04/21/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Program Management
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis.
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

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.

As the Statewide Assessment Communications Specialist for Statewide Testing, you will have a key role in providing direction, leadership, consultation, professional advice and service to educational personnel, institutions, leadership, and the public.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising school district staff and contractors on procedural and technical aspects of Minnesota Statewide assessments
• Creating and implementing policy, guidance, and procedures to ensure that Minnesota's testing aligns with best practices and state and federal testing requirements
• Creating testing materials and communications for the Minnesota Department of Education's stakeholders to increase understanding and adherence to Minnesota assessment programs and standardized statewide testing

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of professional experience as a school employee with experience administering or overseeing large-scale assessments or conducting school wide communications work, OR four years of professional experience working for a testing/assessment vendor;

OR

A bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience as a school employee with experience administering or overseeing largescale assessments or conducting school wide communications work,

OR a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience working for a testing/assessment vendor.

• Experience must include:
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders including students, parents, school districts, testing vendors, school boards, and the State and Federal Departments of Education;
• Experience creating verbal, written, or other communications materials;
• Experience with Minnesota’s educational structure and state and federal legislation regarding assessments in order to resolve issues that require constructive thinking and to identify and recommend alternatives that meet program and legislative intent

Preferred Qualifications

Experience responding professionally to emails and phone calls at times in a fast-paced environment while maintaining ongoing projects.

Experience writing appropriately timed articles or creating materials that inform stakeholders so they can successfully fulfill their responsibilities and increase understanding of Minnesota assessment programs.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.

Ability to take initiative in a team environment.

Experience with data management/manipulation.

Experience quality checking customer facing systems.

Experience developing and documenting procedures.

Ability to negotiate outcome based on what is best for program and generate buy-in

Analytical skills necessary to come to conclusions and make recommendations based on available information, including data.

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 Tammy Funk at tammy.funk@state.mn.us or 651-582-8502.

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 Tammy Funk at tammy.funk@state.mn.us.

About Education Department

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.