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Working Title: Communications Specialist

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Public Safety Dept

+ **Job ID** : 90251

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing [email protected] , by 11:59 PM 11/24/2025.

+ **Date Posted** : 11/18/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 12/01/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE

+ **Division/Unit** : Public Educ. and Media Rel. / OOC Law Enforcement

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift / 08:00 AM - 4:30 PM

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position determines priorities and objectives for the management of day-to-day media relations, crisis communications and communications issues for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), specifically our Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Emergency Communication Networks divisions.

As a strategic communications expert, this role involves developing messages, providing information on public safety issues and services to the public, and interacting with state, national, and international media on sensitive or life-or-death issues. The position also serves as a senior communications advisor to assigned divisions and programs, and to DPS as a whole when needed.

The position will be responsible for crisis communications as well as creating, executing and maintaining media and communications strategies and tactics for DPS. The position exists to ensure that media and communications strategies enhance the reputation of assigned divisions and programs, mitigate the impact of critical issues, and informs the public of critical information from assigned divisions.

The position determines priorities and objectives and manages strategic oversight and direction for assigned divisions and programs to promote, support and enhance the image, goals, mission and vision of DPS. This position also will plan and implement complex communication plans ensuring efforts are effective and reach almost every Minnesotan.

The position is responsible for managing media and communications strategies and recommending the use of social media and digital platforms to maximize the reach of assigned divisions and programs messaging.

_The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify._

_**Hybrid Eligible: ** Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division. Employees who live 50 miles or more from their permanent work location may be allowed to telework more than 50% with approval from the division director._

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

+ Three years of professional experience in strategic communication planning and crisis communications

+ Strong writing skills and an understanding of accepted journalistic and AP style.

+ Knowledge of media relations, or experience working as a member of the media.

+ Strong research skills and ability to translate complicated topics or research into easy-to-understand and engaging content

+ An understanding of traditional and social media including both earned and paid media

+ Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds

*A bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, English or another related field may substitute for 1 year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

+ A Bachelor’s degree.

+ Experience recommending or implementing communications plans.

+ Knowledge of photography, videography and graphics.

+ Knowledge of the National Incident Management System and incident command structure.

+ Experience providing training or instruction to others

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

+ Criminal History

+ Reference Check

_The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify._

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.