Communications Specialist 2

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the design and implementation of department-wide external communication projects and educational programs.
• Coordinate website and intranet design, editorial content, accessibility compliance, and publishing tasks as assigned.
• Expand the agency's social media reach and presence by helping manage and oversee the agency's social media channels.
• Serve as editor and writer for the departments’ written internal and external communications.
• Coordinate communications so the department’s messages are consistent and reach target audiences.

Requirements

• Two years professional experience editing, writing, and producing technical documents or journalistic documents to successfully develop and implement outreach and communications efforts, campaigns and programs.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or English, may substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience designing graphic elements of newsletters, web pages and reports.
• News writing and editing skills such as proper grammar and punctuation usage, accurate spelling, proofreading, and plain language skills.
• Computer skills sufficient to create documents using word programs, spreadsheet documents, desktop publishing, graphic design, social media content and website maintenance.
• Written and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with clients and employees at all levels.
• Human relations skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or common experiences.
• It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or English.
• Experience crafting successful communication plans and strategic messaging to effectively achieve internal and external outreach and education goals.
• Experience working in news media, public relations, state government communications or similar environments.
• Experience creating or remediating electronic documents, products, video, and audio that are accessible to those with disabilities.
• Experience with emerging technologies in areas related to desktop publishing, image and graphic editing, publications, social media, and audio and video projects.
• Experience managing social media accounts and developing content to foster community interaction.
• Experience in meeting deadlines. Good attention to detail. Customer service skills.
• Language skills other than English (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen or ASL).

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)