Internal Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3

Job Details

Working Title: Internal Communications Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 93727
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/22/2026
• Closing Date: 04/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment and Economic Development Department - Confidential
• Division/Unit: Human Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
• 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

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives on translating complex policy into clear, actionable messaging? Do you enjoy shaping how organizations communicate through change and helping employees understand what matters most?

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking an Internal Communications Specialist to strengthen agency-wide Human Resources (HR) communications and improve clarity, consistency, and adoption of workforce initiatives. This role plays a critical part in helping employees stay informed, supported, and prepared for organizational change.

This is not a social media or marketing role. It is a strategic internal communications position focused on human resources programs, workforce policy, and organizational change that affects employees and leaders across the agency.

As the Internal Communications Specialist, you will serve as a strategic partner to HR leadership, shaping communication approaches from planning through execution. You will help ensure employees understand workforce policies, organizational changes, and the “why” behind key decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Advisory

• Develop and implement communication plans for major HR initiatives affecting all agency employees.
• Advise HR leadership on communication sequencing, tone, audience impact, and risk considerations.
• Provide guidance on how communication supports change management and employee trust.

Content Development and Editorial Support

• Draft and edit agency-wide internal messaging related to workforce changes, policy updates, and compliance requirements.
• Translate complex HR policies and technical content into clear, plain-language communications.
• Review and refine content drafted by HR subject matter experts to promote clarity, alignment, and consistency.

Leadership and Alignment

• Draft talking points and leader messaging to ensure consistent communication across divisions.
• Partner with the agency Communications Office to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and communication best practices.

Digital and Intranet Modernization

• Contribute to modernization of HR digital content, including intranet pages, employee resources, and other internal platforms.
• Help improve the usability, clarity, and accessibility of HR information across digital channels.

We are seeking someone who:

• Anticipates how messaging will land with different audiences and adjusts accordingly.
• Is comfortable drafting messaging for senior leaders and advising them on communication strategy.
• Understands how communication supports change management, employee trust, and organizational culture.
• Has strong editorial instincts, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to clarity.
• Balances transparency with organizational sensitivity when addressing complex or sensitive workforce matters.
• Exercises sound judgment and maintains discretion in handling confidential or high-impact topics.
• Influences without authority and collaborates effectively across teams and disciplines.

If you are energized by helping organizations communicate clearly during times of change — and take pride in precision, clarity, and strategic thinking — we encourage you to apply.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position requires very occasional travel that may be necessary beyond the standard on-site requirement.

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 experience in developing and implementing internal communication strategies and supporting complex organizational communications.

• Associate’s degree in Communications, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute six (6) months of experience; bachelor’s degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience developing communication plans for organizational initiatives or workforce programs.
• Experience drafting and editing complex written materials for broad internal audiences.
• Experience translating technical, policy, or regulatory information into clear, plain language messaging.
• Editing and proofreading skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience collaborating with leadership or subject matter experts to develop or refine communications.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain discretion when handling sensitive workforce or organizational matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting internal communications within a government, public sector, unionized, or highly regulated environment.
• Experience developing communication strategies related to organizational change (e.g., policy rollouts, workforce restructuring, system implementation, compliance initiatives).
• Experience drafting messaging, talking points, or communication toolkits for senior leaders or executive audiences.
• Knowledge of change management principles, communication sequencing, and audience-impact considerations.
• Experience conducting content audits and modernizing intranet or digital resource sites (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint).
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, plain language best practices, and inclusive communication principles.
• 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

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 Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s License and Records 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 Careers Help Desk 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 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 option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

• Please apply via Self Service.
• If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

#LI-Hybrid