Public Engagement Specialist - Communications Specialist 4

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is seeking a strategic and collaborative communications professional to lead public outreach, external engagement, and designated communications and marketing efforts across the agency. This role ensures clear, consistent communication with the public, key stakeholder groups, and enterprise partners while advancing MMB’s mission and elevating the work of the Planning & Policy division, particularly the Long-Range Planning team.

About the role

The Public Engagement Specialist leads the development of outreach plans, engagement strategies, and communication initiatives that reach diverse audiences, including non-profit organizations, local communities, communities of color, underserved and low-income communities, state agencies, and local governments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of agency outreach plans in collaboration with MMB business teams, including coordination of outreach in conjunction with other agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
• Lead and direct communications and marketing for designated areas of MMB to meet division, agency, and enterprise needs.
• Collaborate with management and staff to establish priorities, coordinate the planning, design and production of agency communication materials, including brochures, reports, plans, PowerPoint presentations, communication deliverables, and other resources to maintain consistency and quality.
• Track and respond to incoming requests for public information from media stakeholders, enterprise representatives, and the general public.

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of communications experience leading or coordinating public engagement or external outreach efforts, including developing, producing, and managing communication materials for public-facing audiences.
• Experience must include:
  • Responding to or managing media inquiries, serving as a spokesperson, or preparing materials for executive-level leadership on public-facing issues.
  • Writing and editing skills sufficient to produce clear, plain-language content for the public, stakeholders, and executive audiences across print, digital, and web platforms.
  • Developing communication strategies, including selecting communication channels, crafting key messages, and ensuring consistency with brand standards.
  • Advising leadership on communications approaches, including providing guidance on message development, timing, potential public impact, and strategies for addressing sensitive or high-visibility issues.
  • Interpersonal skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including executives, project teams, enterprise agencies, legislative offices, and members of the public.
  • Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or public relations may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A master’s degree in any of the previously listed fields may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A doctorate degree in any of the previously listed fields may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or public relations.
• Experience developing communication or outreach strategies within a government, public sector, or complex enterprise environment.
• Experience planning and promoting public meetings, community engagement sessions, or large-scale outreach initiatives.
• Experience coordinating the work of graphic designers, web editors, contractors, or vendors in the development of communication materials.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of Minnesota Management and Budget that a successful candidate must pass all required checks prior to employment which may consist of:

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal history check
• Reference check
• Social Security and address verification
• Education verification
• Conflict of interest review
• Other legally or internal policy required checks

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices. Minnesota Management and Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management and Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Pay

$36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,400 - $113,274 / annually

Schedule

• Full-time
• Day Shift
• Monday - Friday
• Telework eligible (up to 50% for employees within 50 miles of primary work location; more than 50% for employees 50+ miles away and living in Minnesota)

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
• 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, including 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.