Working Title: Communications Coordinator
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID: 91738
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/23/2026
• Closing Date: 05/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Cannabis Management Office
• Division/Unit: Communications
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 10%
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: MAPE
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.
Step into a high-impact communications role at the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), where your work will help shape public understanding of one of the state’s fastest-evolving industries. As part of a collaborative team of communicators, you will lead the development of clear, accessible and engaging messaging about Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market, medical cannabis program, and hemp-derived THC products.
This role offers a unique opportunity to split your focus between agency-wide communications and dedicated support for the Division of Medical Cannabis, ensuring patients, providers, industry partners, and the public have accurate and timely information. You’ll partner with subject matter experts to translate complex regulatory and health information into plain language, manage and enhance web and digital content, and create materials that inform, educate, and build trust.
Ideal candidates are strategic thinkers and skilled storytellers who thrive in a dynamic, highly visible environment. You’ll play a key role in shaping communications strategy, improving digital experiences, and using data and analytics to continuously strengthen outreach efforts. This position is in St. Paul and may telework from home two (2) days per week and is expected to be in the office three (3) days per week. This position offers the chance to contribute to meaningful public service while working at the forefront of a growing and closely watched industry.
This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two (2) days per week and is expected to be in the office three (3) days per week.
A successful incumbent will be able to:

• Develop, plan, implement and coordinate communications strategy, procedures and activities for the Office of Cannabis Management overall (50% of employee’s time), with specific focus on supporting the office’s Division of Medical Cannabis (50% of employee’s time) to ensure internal and external stakeholders are well informed.
• Plan and implement web-based communications using appropriate and effective website content and structure, managing website content so that internal and external facing websites are current, accurate, easy to navigate, and meet accessibility standards; analyzing website use, reporting on effectiveness, and making recommendations for ways to improve website content or activity; and developing content for social media accounts and measuring success.
• Work with program staff and subject matter experts to develop engaging content for public information materials relating to the state’s medical cannabis program and adult-use cannabis market.
• Measure, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication efforts and make recommendations regarding improvements.
• Develop, plan, implement and coordinate communications strategy, procedures and activities for the Office of Cannabis Management overall (50% of employee’s time), with specific focus on supporting the office’s Division of Medical Cannabis (50% of employee’s time) to ensure internal and external stakeholders are well informed.
• Plan and implement web-based communications using appropriate and effective website content and structure, managing website content so that internal and external facing websites are current, accurate, easy to navigate, and meet accessibility standards; analyzing website use, reporting on effectiveness, and making recommendations for ways to improve website content or activity; and developing content for social media accounts and measuring success.
• Work with program staff and subject matter experts to develop engaging content for public information materials relating to the state’s medical cannabis program and adult-use cannabis market.
• Measure, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication efforts and make recommendations regarding improvements.
  

Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, 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.

• Three (3) years of communications experience in public relations, strategic communications, digital communications, marketing or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in communications, communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  

Experience must clearly demonstrate the following:

• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans that align with organizational goals and effectively reach target audiences.
• Experience producing clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences, including translating complex, technical, or regulatory information for public-facing materials such as websites, reports, fact sheets or presentations.Experience producing clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences, including translating complex, technical, or regulatory information for public-facing materials such as websites, reports, fact sheets or presentations.
• Experience working with website content management systems to update and maintain engaging and relevant information for the public.
• Ability to travel in-state for media and community engagement events hosted by or attended by the office (up to 10%).
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor or master's degree in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, public relations or other relevant field.
• Bilingual in English and another language relevant to prominent Minnesota communities such as Spanish, Hmong or Somali. Strategic communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, public relations or other relevant field.
• Experience in a regulated industry or knowledge of Minnesota cannabis laws, regulations and policies.
• Experience applying Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II standards to develop or review digital and written communications, ensuring documents and websites are accessible and meet established accessibility requirements.
• Experience developing and delivering communications on public health topics.
• Experience applying equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility principles to develop culturally responsive messaging.
• Knowledge of plain language standards and demonstrated ability to apply them in written communications to improve clarity and accessibility.
  

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

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment reference check
• Conflict of interest review
• Criminal background check
  

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Kara Shand at kara.shand@state.mn.us or 651-539-5844.
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 Kara Shand at kara.shand@state.mn.us.
About Cannabis Management Office
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is the primary regulatory office for the state’s new and expanding cannabis industry (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products). OCM is tasked with issuing business licenses, providing education and technical support to new businesses, administering grants to support community reinvestment and to organizations that will help farmers navigate the new industry, and overseeing all aspects of Minnesota’s cannabis industry. Join our team and become a part of OCM’s mission to foster an equitable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer confidence, and market integrity.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  

Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  

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.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.