Working Title: Rural Communications Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Health Department

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/27/2023
• Closing Date: 05/30/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Health- (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Executive Office / Media and Planning Team
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - 25%
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.65 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,493 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes- for applicants residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

****This posting in being reannounced. if you applied already, no need to reapply.

This position exists to serve the health communications needs of Minnesotans in rural communities, through expertise and support for and among key communications partners, including local and tribal health departments. Key responsibilities include:

• Identify communications priorities and needs and develop ongoing and evolving strategies to effectively communicate with key stakeholder groups.
• Serve as an agency expert on communications strategy for issues involving rural communities in Minnesota, with a focus on strategy, planning, execution, evaluation, training/technical assistance, and operations, including providing consultation and advice to agency leadership and serving as the primary point of contact for communications partners in Greater Minnesota.
• Develop and approve messaging, tactics, and tools for communicating about high-profile issues. Providing consultation, guidance, and technical support to MDH and partner leadership and staff regarding communications goals, objectives, and tactics.
• Provide technical assistance, training, facilitation of peer learning, and other support for communications partners.
• Perform other communications duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years professional experience in media relations and/or communications strategy and planning.

• A Bachelor's Degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience as described above.
• A Master's Degree in a related field may substitute for (18) eighteen months of professional experience as described above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or developing communications for rural communities.
• Broad communications expertise at strategy, planning, and execution levels.
• Demonstrated experience tailoring messages to specific audiences and creating customer-centered content and systems.
• Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to express complex scientific concepts in clear, plain language.
• Experience providing training and technical assistance.
• Knowledge of government at federal, state, and local levels.
• General knowledge of major public health issues.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check

This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Ann Ward at ann.ward@state.mn.us or 651-201-4650.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ann Ward at ann.ward@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.