Communications and Public Affairs Director-Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Communications and Public Affairs Director

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Latino Affairs Council

• Job ID: 93775
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes/hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time @ 50% time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/24/2026
• Closing Date: 05/11/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Latino Affairs Council / Latino Affairs Council-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MN Council on Latino Affairs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Any Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• 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.

The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs is looking for their next Communications and Public Affairs Director that will develop, integrate, and execute effective communication strategies across all communications channels that promote and advance the statutory purpose, vision, and goals of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. This position is a key member of MCLA’s team and helps carry out the agency’s communications plan by writing, editing, and providing digital communications support that reaches a variety of audiences throughout the state. This position will:

• Set the vision and strategy for the agency’s public communications portfolio. Advance communications’ priorities in policy and legislation.
• Define and help disseminate media content through story telling.
• Amplify information and resources available to the community.
• Manage media relations.
• Develop website communications strategy (writing, editing, and creating content for social media and the website).
• Identify the need for new content on the website and social media to reach out to more community members while maintaining, updating, and editing current web content as necessary.
• Monitor best practices on similar websites and social media both in Minnesota and nationwide to ensure messages communicated are relevant, timely, and user-friendly.
• Highlight key messages, coordinating branding and integrate social media applications into the communications portfolio.
  
  

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 telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience that include:
• Developing content for newsletters, social media, and public webpages.
• Knowledge or experience of communication strategies, tools, products, and processes using a culturally sensitive, diverse, and inclusive lens.
• Technical writing and oral communications skills.
• Proficient skills in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, MS Forms, PowerPoint) or equivalent transferable knowledge base.
• Skills/experience in content design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop) or similar transferable knowledge base.
• A degree in communications or related field may substitute for professional experience as follows:
  
  
Master's degree = 18 months of experience

Bachelor's degree=12 months of experience

Associate degree = 6 months of experience

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview:


• Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking in identifying and developing an agency communications strategic plan, and the ability to hold others accountable to the strategy.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences including writing precisely and concisely a wide range of information to the public.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with diverse stakeholders so that agency timelines, goals and quality standards are met.
• Organizational and time management skills to effectively manage a robust, deadline-driven, and busy communications environment.
• Knowledge of cultural norms of diverse Latino communities to connect with them and other partners with cultural competency.
  
  
Preferred Qualifications


• Research skills and ability to translate research into engaging content.
• Interest in legislative and public affairs.
• Knowledge or familiarity with Minnesota Latino Communities.
• Familiarity with website development, video, and photography skills.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking/writing ability.
  
  
Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank 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.

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 Nella Austin at nella.austin@state.mn.us or 651-201-8005.

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 Nella Austin at nella.austin@state.mn.us.

About Latino Affairs Council

The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs is a state agency that advises the government on matters of interest to Latinos who live in Minnesota. It is a bridge of communication and collaboration between Latinos and the government, the private sector, and nonprofits.

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

Tuition reimbursement

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.