Operations Communication Supervisor - Communications Supervisor

About the role

The Operations Communications Supervisor will provide supervisory leadership and communications expertise that enables the Department of Human Services' Communications Office to plan, coordinate and deliver timely, accurate and effective communications across complex agency priorities. The position supervises assigned communications staff, directs communications work, controls workflow, establishes expectations and ensures staff effectively perform assigned duties in alignment with agency priorities, Communications Office standards, labor agreements, human resources requirements and applicable state and federal policies.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic workload alignment, maximize operational capacity, control unit workflow, and ensure absolute compliance with agency priorities, labor agreements, and state administrative frameworks.
• Lead internal communications strategies that help DHS employees, leaders and program areas understand agency priorities, operational updates, policy changes, emerging issues and major initiatives.
• Lead Communications Office strategy, coordination and execution for complex projects, internal communications and high-priority agency initiatives.
• Provide expert communications leadership for initiatives requiring rapid coordination, strategic judgment, message development, operational awareness and cross-team execution.
• Ensure communications work is triaged, assigned, tracked, reviewed and completed in a way that supports agency priorities and Communications Office standards.
• Manage the systems and routines that allow the office to respond effectively to planned communications, urgent leadership requests, complex projects and sensitive or high-visibility issues.
• Lead operational planning, communications systems improvement and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen the Communications Office's ability to respond to complex projects and agency priorities.

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience – can include experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead; completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4); or a paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG). Leadership experience must include: 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions; and 100+ hours per year time commitment.
• Four (4) years of experience providing or consulting in the communications field across an organization and/or business, demonstrating:
  • Expertise and substantial experience in the public relations or communications fields and in the principles and practices of journalism.
  • Solid knowledge of media relations, social media, web communications, print media and communications campaigns to lead colleagues and external partners on communications.
  • Experience creating communications strategies to address controversial internal and external issues, highlight key services and issues, and build support for communication proposals.
  • Experience in assessing communications' implications and risks of sensitive and visible issues and ability to advise leadership appropriately.
  • Strong skills to research, plan, develop, manage and lead public awareness campaigns.
  • Experience in planning, project management and problem-solving to address communications needs and resolve communications issues.
  • Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ability to hold team members accountable for their work product and meeting established goals.
  • Ability to identify internal and external pressures/roadblocks that impact or may impact the work of the agency and navigate them effectively.

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of the program, projects and current operations to best support children and families statewide.
• Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.
• Knowledge of privacy and government data practices laws.
• Familiarity with government communications policies.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others and/or compel change throughout an organization.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Pay

$41.81 – $60.10 / hourly; $87,299 – $125,488 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift, 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Benefits

• 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
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support covering mental health, relationship challenges, 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 varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.