Communication Specialist 4 - Director of Media Relations

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Job Description

This position is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team with primary responsibility for defining, designing and implementing communications and public relations strategies and programs within the Minnesota State system to strengthen the reputation of Minnesota State and its 33 colleges and universities. In addition, this position serves as a spokesperson for Minnesota State, the main contact for media within the organization, and has the responsibility to provide timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.

Salary Range:

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional communication and writing experience in large complex decentralized organizations. A Bachelor's degree in a related field (communications, English, journalism, etc.) would substitute for one year of experience; an Associate's degree would substitute for six months of experience.

• Demonstrated superior writing skills with a range of writing experiences, including the ability to write and edit various types of content (presentations, speeches, press releases, articles, blog posts, etc.) for expression, organization, strategic intent, grammar, style, and sentence structure.

• Experience developing compelling messages for target audiences and weaving societal trends, nuances, and language into writing, with an awareness of Minnesota and global contexts.

• Demonstrated sound news judgment, experience working with media, and effective verbal communication skills to facilitate meetings and present to groups of 10 or more senior managers.

• Familiarity with established and emerging uses of technology, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception through execution, communicating progress and end results.

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, respond to quick turnaround times, and exhibit political acumen with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

Preferred Qualification 

• Advanced degree in related field - communications, English, journalism, etc. Additional years of related experience considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Experience in a college or university setting, philanthropy, public policy, non-profit organization, government, or public service.

• Knowledge sufficient to create multimedia content such as videos, photos, soundbites, etc.

Other Requirements

n/a

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday, Position is responsible for providing timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.

Telework (Yes/No)

Hybrid

About

Minnesota State is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees who serve our 270,000 students each year throughout the state. We have a vibrant and diverse system of 33 colleges and universities with 14,567 dedicated faculty and staff focused on student success.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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