Commissioner's Office/ Legislative - Job ID 83937

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 specialist 4, Commissioner's Office and Legislative Communications at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA), this individual will work with the most senior leadership in the agency (under the direction of the Director of Communications as supervisor and Deputy Commissioner). The position will develop a communications platform for and build messaging for Commissioner's leadership staff. This role will support the legislative communications efforts of the MPCA, providing communications strategy and execute on tactics to support the legislative priorities and goals of the agency. The position will develop and execute proactive media strategies, including media and outreach events with key stakeholder groups to support MPCA initiatives and engagement opportunities. The communications specialist will be responsible for activities ranging from developing messages and crafting communication materials to preparing speakers and events targeting various audiences, leveraging traditional and new media, and assessing the impact of communication tactics. As liaison with the MPCA Commissioner’s Office, the communications specialist 4 is responsible for writing official remarks for leadership staff, as well as supporting events they may attend. This includes writing and preparing commissioners’ briefing documents and coordinating with program staff on content development as necessary. Working with the government relations team, this position will develop message frameworks for MPCA policy recommendations and coordinate the development of communications materials for legislative initiatives. The incumbent will help to develop proactive campaigns and activities designed to raise the visibility of legislative proposals.  

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Four (4) years of professional experience in strategic communications and marketing/public relations, including media relations. 

Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications plans, including crafting messages, identifying target audiences, 

developing content strategies, and writing for a variety of platforms including press releases, web content, and social media.

Demonstrated experience developing executive leadership platforms, messaging and presentations including development of PowerPoint materials and speeches.

Demonstrated speechwriting skills with the ability to quickly formulate complex topics, including those related to legislative action, and messaging into clear, concise and digestible information for a variety of audiences including lawmakers and the general public.

Ability to build strong relationships with organization’s top leadership and to convey complex information in leaders’ tone and style.

Ability to quickly understand the agency’s mission, goals, programs, operational issues, delivery structure, policies, procedures and governing laws to effectively represent the agency in materials for senior leadership during regular and legislative sessions.

Human relations and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and create understanding within a wide range of clientele, partners, and interested parties.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; journalism, communications/marketing, political science, or related field.

Experience working in a government or public sector environment. 

Demonstrated knowledge of political and legislative processes at state and/or federal level.

Demonstrated experience communicating with external parties about environmental policy issues.

Experience managing large-scale communications projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, timeline management, and resource allocation. 

Creative problem solving, and leadership skills.

Demonstrated ability to effectively and confidently persuade, present, and champion recommendations and objectives.

Proficiency in understanding and using Associated Press style.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.