Communications Specialist

About the role

The Communications Specialist develops world-class internal and external content and communications for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and its various enterprises and departments, including a golf course, fitness club, natural food market, early childhood center, composting facility, and more. Reporting to the Manager of Communications and Content, this position gathers information, writes and edits content, and secures necessary approvals for a wide variety of materials and marketing collateral, such as newsletters, reports, employee communications, programs, blogs, advertisements, press releases, social media posts, and web copy.

The role requires acquiring and maintaining a detailed knowledge of the SMSC and its history, values, and priorities to effectively tell the story of the tribe and protect and promote its public image.

Responsibilities

• Writes, edits, and proofreads content for a wide variety of communication channels (e.g., print, web, social media, email, video) on behalf of the SMSC and its enterprises.
• Conducts interviews with subject matter experts, attends events, and gathers information for stories.
• Fields media inquiries, prepares materials for submission, escorts media on site, and tracks coverage of the SMSC and its enterprises.
• Works with the SMSC’s PR firm to coordinate press releases, media inquiries, placement of SMSC stories in the media, and crisis communications.
• Collaborates with design teams on content layout for a wide variety of published materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, journalism, public relations, communications, or related field.
• Three years of work experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, writing, editing, or related field.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, and strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to brand style, tone, and standards in a compelling manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and as an active participant in team projects.
• Proficiency in word-processing, database, and presentation software packages.
• A valid Class D driver's license with a good driving record may be required.

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Onsite medical clinics and pharmacy.
• 401(k) retirement plan with day-one matching.
• Paid time off.
• Wellness programs.
• Discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes, and fitness membership.
• Free uniforms and free uniform cleaning.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid volunteer hours through SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative.

About the organization

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout its properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land.