Communications Specialist 4

About the Role

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Communication Specialist 4 will develop and execute senior-level communications, outreach, and engagement strategy with specific focus on priority agency initiatives, proactive external relationship development, and highly visible initiatives and high-profile projects. The incumbent in this position will play a key role in the agency’s risk communications, and is expected to navigate complex and contentious projects, with the ability to anticipate potential complications and build trust among stakeholders. The incumbent will develop and execute media and outreach events with key stakeholder groups to support MPCA initiatives and engagement opportunities. The incumbent will work closely with communications, public engagement, government relations, and environmental justice teams, as well as applicable program staff across divisions.

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.

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.
• It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: Conflict of Interest Review, Criminal History Check, Education Verification, Employment Reference / Records Check, License / Certification Verification where applicable.

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.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Support to help you reach your career goals: Training, classes, and professional development; Tuition reimbursement; Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify — for more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance. Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues. Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility vary based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.