Job ID 87334 - Assistant Director of Communications

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 the Assistant Director of Communications at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will manage the operations for the agency's Communication and Outreach section and assist in the development and execution of the broad communications strategy for this regulatory agency. This individual oversees media relations, public affairs, crisis and issues communications, social media, creative, and internal communications programs that serve the agency’s seven diverse operating divisions to ensure coordination and integration throughout the agency. The position must identify opportunities to raise the visibility of agency programs and priorities through proactive media relations, events, and other activities and serves as spokesperson for the agency on contentious issues. The incumbent will advise and mentor staff and develop communications plans. This position reports to the director of communications, and will work directly with the Commissioner’s Office and other senior leaders, ensuring the agency’s strategic communications programs align with the Governor’s communications goals and the agency’s vision and mission. 

Minimum Qualifications

Two years managerial experience leading teams with experience in the strategic planning, implementation, and administration of an organization’s communications program that includes oversight and expertise in several communication areas (i.e. media relations, social media, crisis and issues communications, visual communications, internal and external communications) OR

Five years of closely related professional-level experience as described above, of which supervisory or managerial experience is included. 

Experience leading complex and multi-faceted teams in newsrooms or communications teams.

Experience in shaping and executing complex communications efforts in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment.

Extensive media relations skills sufficient to quickly respond to often-difficult requests and proactively pitch stories to best tell the agency’s story.

Extensive issues and crisis communications experience sufficient to manage actual and emerging issues with minimal direction. 

Strong knowledge of political process and/or experience working in a political environment. 

Experience in managing, leading, and/or developing staff sufficient to motivate, direct, and continuously improve their skills and abilities.

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 or Master’s degree or advanced degree in journalism, strategic communications, or related field. 

Certification in and/or demonstrated training with FEMA ICS structure. 

Communications experience related to environmental programs.

Experience working in an organization with multiple locations and programs.

Experience working in a political environment and ability to manage complex and/or politically sensitive communications efforts while remaining calm and professional even under stressful circumstances.

Ability to create a diverse and inclusive working environment with internal and external parties.

Ability to share a clear vision and to think, plan and lead strategically.

Experience managing program budgets sufficient to ensure office goals are met and agency goals are supported.

Human relations skills sufficient to effectively interact with internal and external business partners, to create and maintain a positive, professional working environment for staff as well as positive image for external clients/citizens, to deliver decisions and information, and to resolve disagreements.

Exceptional writing and editing skills and demonstrated success in content strategy.

Ability to manage multiple relationships and projects concurrently in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment; a great degree of flexibility with the proven ability to adapt to change. 

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.

Those applicants that are determined qualified will be asked to submit two work samples.

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.