Deputy Communications Director - Communications Manager

Overview

Working Title:
Deputy Communications Director
Job Class:
Communications Manager 2
Agency:
Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job
• 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:
  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.

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.

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, 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 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.

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…