Working Title: Communications and Media Relations Manager
Job Class: Communications Manager 1
Agency: Explore Minnesota

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/16/2023
• Closing Date: 06/06/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Explore Minnesota Tourism / Explore MN Tourism - Managers
• Division/Unit: Explore Minnesota Tourism / Tourism Executive Team
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; 8 - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: up to 10%
• Salary Range: $39.35 - $56.61 / hourly; $82,162 - $118,201 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Telework Eligible: Yes -This position will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to complete a telework agreement if they work a hybrid schedule.
• 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.

The Communications and Media Relations Manager leads both internal and external strategic communications and media relations for Explore Minnesota (EM). Works to develop and implement an annual integrated communications plan for Explore Minnesota which includes public and media relations efforts, corporate communications, external relations and interdepartmental communications. One of the key purposes of this position is to enable the delivery of EM's strategic public relations and communications objectives by overseeing the Public Relations contracts. This position will work with key external stakeholders including media contacts, community leaders and industry partners to promote Explore Minnesota through consistent messaging, legislative communications, print publications and media related events/promotional activities. Responsible for promoting and enhancing the office’s public perception, lead crisis communication efforts, serve as the agency spokesperson and as needed be a liaison to the Governor’s Office.

Position duties Include:

• Direct and lead agency's internal and external strategic communications, issue management and outreach for the Communications Division in support of the office and Executive Director;
• Supervise media relations program, staff and overall messaging;
• Direct day-to-day operations of Communications and Media Relations Unit to provide efficient, cost-effective and high-quality services;
• Develop strategy for production, design and distribution of consumer travel publications;
• Budget and track the Communication's Unit's fiscal resources to provide effective, cost-efficient operation of services.
• Develop annual communications plans, including, but not limited to: crisis communications, legislative/government affairs communications, domestic and international leisure media plans, coordinated promotional efforts with the brand strategy and digital strategy teams and special agency events.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field AND three (3) years of closely related professional level experience, which includes supervisory experience.

OR

At least five (5) years of closely related professional-level experience, of which supervisory experience is included.

A Master’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of professional-level experience.

To be considered, professional level experience MUST include and be represented on application as follows:

• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills.
• Experience developing and managing promotional campaigns.
• Thorough knowledge of communications and media relations best practices and trends.
• Demonstrated proficiency in media relations and interviewing skills.
• A thorough understanding of social media tools.
• Demonstrated ability to think, incite and act creatively to solve complex problems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with and leading marketing teams to develop shared goals for an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Supervisory experience of two or more staff.

Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field.

Experience with public sector organizations.

Knowledge of state policies, procedures and practices in the areas of information systems, financial and human resources management.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.
When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

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 Lauren Bennett McGinty at Lauren.Bennett.McGinty@state.mn.us.

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 Mary Gilmartin at mary.gilmartin@state.mn.us.

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.