Program Areas Communications Supervisor - Communications Supervisor

About the role

The Program Areas Communications Supervisor will lead and implement large-scale communications strategies that promote programs, increase public awareness and help Minnesotans understand primarily the state’s Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and MinnesotaCare programs. The role requires advanced working knowledge of Medicaid policy, including program design, eligibility, benefits, waivers and federal-state requirements, to translate complex policy and operational decisions into clear, accessible public communications. As the supervisor of staff, the person in this position must also develop an understanding of the small number of agency programs that are unrelated to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. The position supports transparency, equity in service delivery and accountability to the people of Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic program workload alignment, maximize operational capacity, control unit workflow and ensure absolute compliance with agency priorities, program mandates, labor agreements and state administrative frameworks.
• Provide strategic leadership for communications related to Minnesota’s Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare and broader DHS program areas.
• Manage the development and implementation of communications plans and strategies that translate complex policy decisions into accurate, accessible and culturally responsive information for diverse audiences.
• Provide policy-informed communications leadership in support of the DHS Communications Office on issues related primarily to Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs.
• Work with executive leadership, policy staff and communications teams to develop, manage and execute agencywide strategic communications projects that require interpretation and explanation of complex Medicaid policy and legislative activity.
• Analyze and interpret policy, data and trends to develop effective narratives and evaluate communications outcomes. Use data and policy analysis to inform communications strategies and continuous improvement efforts.

Leadership competencies

All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the following five competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum qualifications

Demonstrated leadership experience — 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). Experience must include:

• 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment

AND

Four (4) years of experience providing or consulting in the communications field across an organization and/or business. Experience must also demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of Medicaid policy, program operations, financing, waivers and federal-state requirements
• 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 with data analysis to inform communications strategies and continuous improvement efforts
• 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

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
• 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.