When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Communication Liaison
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/11/2023
• Closing Date: 05/02/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services / Program Area Communications
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.65 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,493 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

This position provides broad communication leadership and planning expertise for communication in the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General and agencywide operations. The position partners with directors and appointed staff as a communication, outreach, marketing, and public relations expert and serves on the Inspector General leadership teams. This critical position also collaborates with communication staff of all levels within the agency. This position is accountable to the DHS Communications Office, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners, the Inspector General, and multiple division directors.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop effective communications strategies for highly visible and sensitive issues with goals set.
• Portray the Department of Human Services positively, mitigate risk, and deliver accurate and relevant information to key stakeholders and the public.
• Consult regularly with agency leaders and division managers to determine strategic communications goals, challenges, and opportunities for communicating effectively and proactively.
• Develop and approve messaging about high profile under tight deadlines.
• Review and approve communications materials and content developed by others to ensure quality, consistency, and cohesion with agency communication goals and brand.

Minimum Qualifications

3 years of specialized professional experience working in the Communications field demonstrating the following:

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write using AP style and plain language.
• Experience developing and implementing communications plans, with a proven record of meeting goals.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism sufficient to foresee potential media issues, prepare for questions the media may ask, and advise agency leadership on media relations strategies in response to high profile and sensitive issues.
• Understanding of best practices in journalism and public relations.
• Project and relationship management.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Knowledge and experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism.
• Knowledge in implementing accessibility standards.
• Advance writing/storytelling skills.
• Experience planning events/activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office applications and productivity tools.
• Ability to solve complex problems and explore multiple solutions.
• Ability to identify and discuss differences between individuals and groups in relation to communication goals, target audience, and communication tactics sufficient to build support for communications proposals and strategies.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, 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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 Jonathan Wittman at jonathan.wittman@state.mn.us

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 Erika Mejia at Erikal.Mejia@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• 12 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.