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
This position leads the development and administration of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) communications strategy for external and internal communications. The position supports and strengthens the agency’s environmental programs and serves as a participant in the development of the agency’s environmental policies, develops communication strategies to inform the public of these policies, and serves as a link between internal staff, division directors, media, etc. This position advises the commissioner, deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and other members of the Commissioner’s Office and senior management team, and coordinates with the government relations director, chief of staff, and director of tribal affairs to ensure consistency with the Commissioners’ Office and Governor’s Office needs. The director is the primary point of contact with communications staff from the Governor’s Office and media outlets, serving as a key spokesperson for the agency on high-profile issues.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
Five years of professional communications experience that includes strategic planning, implementation, and administration of an organization’s communications program with oversight and expertise in several communication areas (i.e. media relations, social media, visual communications, internal and external communications).
Three years managing, supervising or leading staff to motivate and direct their skills and abilities to shape and execute communications efforts in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment.
Expertise in issues management, reputation management, public affairs or public policy with ability to advocate the agency’s positions to the media, the Governor’s Office and key stakeholders.
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.
Possess a valid Driver’s license (see additional requirements)
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
Communications experience related to environmental programs.
Broad understanding of the agency’s strategic plan, diverse programs and services, and policies.
Experience 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.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver’s license record check. Requires a Class D driver’s license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
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.