Working Title: Communications Specialist 4 - Director of Media Relations
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Minnesota State
-
Job ID: 96347
-
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: 08/14/2026
-
Closing Date: 09/14/2026
-
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / MNSCU Central Office-MAPE
-
Division/Unit: MnSCU System Office / MnSCU OOC Prof/ Supr
-
Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
-
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
-
Days of Work: Monday - Friday, Position is responsible for providing timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.
-
Travel Required: No
-
Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,399 - $113,274 / annually
-
Classified Status: Classified
-
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
-
FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
-
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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 Description
This position is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team with primary responsibility for defining, designing and implementing communications and public relations strategies and programs within the Minnesota State system to strengthen the reputation of Minnesota State and its 33 colleges and universities. In addition, this position serves as a spokesperson for Minnesota State, the main contact for media within the organization, and has the responsibility to provide timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Four (4) years of professional communication and writing experience in large complex decentralized organizations. A Bachelor's degree in a related field (communications, English, journalism, etc.) would substitute for one year of experience; an Associate's degree would substitute for six months of experience.
-
Demonstrated superior writing skills with a range of writing experiences, including the ability to write and edit various types of content (presentations, speeches, press releases, articles, blog posts, etc.) for expression, organization, strategic intent, grammar, style, and sentence structure.
-
Experience developing compelling messages for target audiences and weaving societal trends, nuances, and language into writing, with an awareness of Minnesota and global contexts.
-
Demonstrated sound news judgment, experience working with media, and effective verbal communication skills to facilitate meetings and present to groups of 10 or more senior managers.
-
Familiarity with established and emerging uses of technology, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception through execution, communicating progress and end results.
-
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, respond to quick turnaround times, and exhibit political acumen with both internal and external stakeholders.
-
Ability to work independently and as a team player.
Preferred Qualification
- Advanced degree in related field - communications, English, journalism, etc. Additional years of related experience considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
-
Experience in a college or university setting, philanthropy, public policy, non-profit organization, government, or public service.
-
Knowledge sufficient to create multimedia content such as videos, photos, soundbites, etc.
To view the full job posting and to apply please go to: https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/St-Paul/Communication-Specialist-4-Director-of-Media-Relations_JR0000005552.
If you have questions about this position, contact Shane Moore at [email protected] or 651-273-3967.
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 Shane Moore at [email protected].
Minnesota State is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees who serve our 270,000 students each year throughout the state. We have a vibrant and diverse system of 33 colleges and universities with 14,567 dedicated faculty and staff focused on student success.
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
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.
- 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
-
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)
-
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.
Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
