Deputy Communications Director

Overview

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, 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 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 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.

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.

• 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)
• Employe…