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Working Title: Communications Liaison

Job Class: Communications Specialist 4

Agency: Human Services Dept

+ **Job ID** : 90545

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

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

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 12/02/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 12/15/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office

+ **Division/Unit** : DHS-Central Office / Program Area Communications

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm

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

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

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

+ **FLSA Status** : Exempt - Administrative

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

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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 is eligible for_ telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) _for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***_

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks an experienced and strategic Communications Liaison (Communication Specialist 4) to support the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This influential position plays a central role in communicating the department’s efforts to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse—building public trust and transparency in state government.

As a member of the OIG leadership team, you’ll advise senior leaders on communication strategy, media relations and stakeholder engagement. Collaborating with a team of communications specialists, you will craft clear, compelling messages that convey the department’s values and priorities, helping Minnesotans understand the impact of DHS programs and policies.

We are looking for a skilled communicator with proven experience in public relations, journalism or strategic communications—someone who can translate complex issues into meaningful stories. Success in this role requires strong judgment, adaptability and a passion for public service.

Join us and make a lasting difference by advancing integrity, accountability and transparency across Minnesota’s human services system. Apply today and help shape the narrative of good government.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

+ Manage the development and implementation of OIG communications plans and strategies that target critical audiences and deliver critical information.

+ Support for the commissioner’s communications teams on issues that relate to work of OIG.

+ Serve as a member of OIGmanagement teams as assigned and provide strategic advice to senior leadership on internal and external communication needs.

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 (3) years of experience working in the Communications field demonstrating the following:

+ Extensive experience in public relations or strategic communications experience.

+ Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism sufficient to foresee potential media issues, prepare for questions the media may ask, and advise agency leadership on media relations strategies in response to high profile and sensitive issues.

+ Exceptional writing and editing skills for print, web and digital communications.

+ Proven ability to develop and implement communication plans that address complex or sensitive issues and meet strategic goals.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess communication risks to advise leadership effectively.

+ Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and with senior leaders, providing communication guidance and strategic advice.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience managing communications during crises or controversial issues, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

+ Familiarity with state or federal data privacy and accessibility laws, such as HIPAA and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

+ Experience in strategic planning or organizational change communications within a public agency or large enterprise.

+ Ability to lead cross-functional communication teams, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

+ Knowledge and experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism.

+ Knowledge in implementing accessibility standards.

+ Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

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.