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Working Title: Deputy Communications Director

Job Class: Communications Manager 2

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

+ **Job ID** : 90957

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes, may be eligible for some telework

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

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

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

+ **Date Posted** : 01/13/2026

+ **Closing Date** : 02/03/2026

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial

+ **Division/Unit** : Communications Office / Support Branch

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM

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

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,164 - $145,074 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 220 - Managerial / Unrepresented

+ **FLSA Status** : Exempt - Executive

+ 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.

Position Purpose:

The Deputy Communications Director position exists at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to work in a collaborative relationship with the Communications Director to lead public relations and external strategies for the agency. The Deputy Communications Director will serve as back-up to the Communications Director as needed. The Deputy Communications Director will partner with the Communications Director, Commissioner, Commissioner’s Office and Senior Leadership Team members to understand agency priorities and goals to build overarching communications strategies and plans that align with outcomes. The Deputy Communications Director manages high-level public information and public relations campaigns and projects, and generates or contributes to talking points, press releases, blogs, op-eds and other communication materials for the Commissioner and the agency. Additionally, the Deputy Communications Director will co-lead the development of the strategic communications strategy – integrating external communications, marketing, web efforts, social media and visual communications. The incumbent will supervise three staff members and provide work direction to DEED-wide project teams for campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as DEED’s external communications lead; produce communications and public relations plans and direct or partner on the production of high-level materials for the agency, including talking points, opposite the editorial page (op-eds) and more.

+ In collaboration with the Communications Director, direct media relations for the agency. Provide strategic communications advice to the Communications Director and other senior leaders as requested.

+ Think comprehensively about the Administration’s priorities and devise strategies to accelerate them with the public and media; and

+ Serve as the backup for the Communications Director as needed.

This position will be based out of the St. Paul office.

This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs. eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.** **Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Five (5) years* of experience in communications and/or public relations with at least two (2) years supervising a team (two (2) or more) in meeting related business needs.

*Bachelor's degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, and Journalism substitutes for one (1) year of experience; Master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

+ Experience developing and implementing communications plans.

+ Experience working with the news media, including experience developing and executing media strategies and campaigns (print, television, radio, etc.).

+ Experience advising senior executive level clients and stakeholders on communications strategies and messaging.

+ Experience creating and managing multiple projects simultaneously, including determining requirements, stakeholders and scope of projects.

+ Experience writing a heavy volume of speeches and talking points for a commissioner, executive director, CEO, etc.

+ Experience with high-level communication, demonstrating skill in composition and editing.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience working in state government.

+ Experience planning and executing major press events.

+ Experience working with the Governor's Office and elected officials on press events and roundtables.

+ Experience working in a fast-paced, complex, often-changing environment.

+ Experience working with and responding to situations tied to federal and state laws, Executive Orders, etc. as well as experience with guidelines, policies, and procedures governing appropriate and legal communication requirements (e.g., Plain Language, Data Practices, Data Retention, etc.).

+ Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from various backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

+ Criminal Background Check

+ Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)

+ Employment Reference Check

+ Conflict of Interest Review

+ Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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.