Job ID 86465 - Internal Communications Lead

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 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) communications specialist, this position leads the agency’s internal communications strategy. This individual develops and executes a wide-ranging strategy to increase employee engagement and effectively connect employees to the agency’s mission, vision, and initiatives. They write, edit, and distribute the internal newsletter, agency-wide messages from the Commissioner’s Office and other key function areas (ex: Human Resources, Finance, etc.), commissioner video messages, and manage the internal website (intranet, known as the Lorax). They are responsible for writing, editing, approving, and posting content to the internal website, maintaining an editorial calendar, and managing projects that include the annual employee recognition awards, brown bag sessions, and others. The position advises division leadership and leaders from management teams on best internal communications strategies, and may lead training and implementation of plain language throughout the agency. This position also writes and edits, and proofreads other agency communications, including reports, brochures, and newsletters, and other products as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Three (3) years of professional experience in supporting strategic communications goals that advance an organization’s mission and vision. This experience must include building communications plans, defining and clarifying communications challenges, managing multi-faceted communications assignments, demonstrated experience with content management systems (CMS) and mass email platforms. 

Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills to distill complex topics into clear and concise analyses for general audiences.

Accomplished planning and organizational skills to manage multiple projects independently and effectively in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Human relation and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and create understanding within with 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, political science, or related field.

General knowledge of or experience with environmental issues.

Demonstrated experience with internal communications strategies and industry best practices. 

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.