Communications and Engagement Manager - Communications Specialist 3

Job Details

Working Title: Communications and Engagement Manager
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

• Job ID: 93083
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/25/2026
• Closing Date: 04/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC)
• Division/Unit: Indian Affairs Council / Executive Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 20%
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Statutory Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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

As a Communications and Engagement Manager, this position serves as the statewide communications and community engagement lead for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC). This position ensures communications and engagement activities are in service to the mission of the council: protecting the sovereignty of the tribal governments and ensuring the well-being of American Indian citizens throughout the state of Minnesota. This position directs communications for multiple, complex, diverse sectors of expertise relating to American Indian communities within Minnesota. This individual will work closely with other staff, MIAC board members, vendors, state agencies, tribal nations, tribal communities, members of the media community, and the public. This position leads statewide communication and outreach efforts, regularly interacting with diverse groups such as the public, legislature, professionals, service providers, businesses, and advocacy organizations. The incumbent serves in a leadership role and must be able to perform effectively in teams and individually and have exemplary written and oral communication skills.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team members or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a teleworking agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications in their application materials:

• Three (3) years of experience developing and managing communication strategies, including newsletters, press releases, and social media content.
• Experience maintaining websites and social media platforms, including knowledge of web development tools and accessibility standards.
• Demonstrated experience in Microsoft Office and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools.

Minimum Qualifications accessed at interview:

• Ability to present and tailor information to various audiences, including cultural competence in serving diverse clientele.
• Effective practices for managing media inquiries and referrals with follow ups to subject-matter experts as appropriate.
• Problem-solving skills sufficient to lead and administer major communication initiatives and related projects.
• Knowledge of communication strategies, tools, products, and processes.

A degree in communications, journalism, media relations or a related field may substitute for experience, as follows:

Master’s degree = 18 months of experience

Bachelor’s degree = 12 months of experience

Associates degree = 6 months of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with MIAC’S mission, programs, and policies.
• Experience working in the American Indian Community.
• Experience developing and implementing statewide communication and outreach plans.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass background and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices. This position requires an incumbent to maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or 651-201-2393.

About the MN Indian Affairs Council

The mission of the Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) is to protect the sovereignty of the 11 Minnesota Tribes and to ensure the well-being of American Indian citizens throughout the state of Minnesota. The Council also fulfills duties found in MS 307.08 through its Cultural Resources program, which works to protect Indian gravesites and burial mounds statewide.

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.