Working Title: Public Affairs Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/21/2023
• Closing Date: 08/10/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Operations Division / Communication Unit 1
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,094 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

As a public affairs specialist, this position will help develop and execute communications, outreach, and engagement opportunities strategies to advance the goals of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The position will be responsible for activities ranging from developing messages and crafting communication plans and materials to preparing speakers and events targeting various audiences, leveraging traditional and new media, and assessing the impact of communication tactics. The incumbent will serve as a liaison with the MPCA Commissioner’s Office and with the agency’s government relations team. They will be responsible for writing official remarks and briefing documents for the commissioner and deputy/assistant commissioners, as well as supporting events the commissioner(s) may attend. This position will develop message frameworks for MPCA policy recommendations and coordinate the development of communications materials for legislative initiatives. The incumbent will help to develop proactive campaigns and activities designed to raise the visibility of legislative proposals and assist with general communications responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Three (3) years of professional experience in supporting strategic communications efforts in order to advance company or organization initiatives. This experience must include building communications plans, defining and clarifying communications challenges, managing multi-faceted communications assignments, and managing public images and messages.

**A bachelor’s degree in a liberal art, including but not limited to communications, journalism, marketing, political science, public relations or directly related field may substitute for a year of experience.**

Advanced professional writing skills (including Associated Press style) and experience drafting sound, credible documents (i.e. memos, news releases, bylines, backgrounders, op-ed pieces, brochures and collateral materials).

Demonstrated experience in public relations, issues management, public affairs, or public policy.

Experience conducting active outreach to news media and media influencers, including addressing inaccuracies and misinformation. This includes effective public speaking, facilitation, and moderating skills.

Ability to effectively and confidently persuade, present, and champion recommendations and objectives.

Human relation and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and create understanding within with a wide-range of clientele, partners, and interested parties.

Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience organizing and executing public events and activities with multiple stakeholders and deliverables.

Demonstrated success building relationships with media representing diverse and underrepresented groups.

Strong knowledge of political process and/or experience working in a political environment.

Understanding of risk communication and crisis communication strategies.

Ability to consult with programs and identify which, among a broad range of communication strategies, would best suit the program’s needs.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Application materials must include links to two work samples. Candidates selected for in-person interviews will also be required to comple a writing exercise AND

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DL check. Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

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 Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us or 651-757-2774.

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 Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us.

About Pollution Control Agency

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.

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.