Working Title: Strategic Projects Lead
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 89173
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes - up to 4 days a pay period
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/25/2025
Closing Date : 10/8/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MAPE
Division/Unit : Commissioner's Office / Comm Office Community Affairs
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
End Date : anticipated to last up to 2 years
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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.
This is a temporary unclassified position anticipated to last up to two years.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking a skilled professional to lead strategic projects that support our statewide community engagement work. This position serves as a core partner to the Director of Community Affairs, helping shape and deliver executive-level communications, cross-agency initiatives, and key public safety engagement efforts.
The position is responsible for managing complex, high-visibility projects from start to finish, drafting materials for senior leadership, ensuring clarity and consistency in public-facing content, and helping bring DPS initiatives across the finish line with excellence. Whether planning a convening, refining a critical briefing, or implementing new tools to support engagement, this position will help Minnesotans feel informed, seen, and connected to public safety services.
This position will have the option of teleworking up to four (4) days per pay period. You must be located in Minnesota and bordering states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or Wisconsin) to be telework eligible.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of professional experience in strategic project management, executive-level writing, or public sector planning
Demonstrated experience drafting briefings, memos, remarks, or other executive-ready content
Strong writing, editing, and copy review skills with a keen eye for tone, clarity, and audience
Proven ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and high expectations
Experience coordinating or collaborating with public agencies, contractors, or cross-functional teams
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to move work forward independently
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
*A bachelor's degree in a closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience and a master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency with Smartsheet and Microsoft applications, including Teams, Word, and PowerPoint
Experience working in a public safety, government, or community engagement setting
Familiarity with strategic communications, content design, or brand alignment practices
Experience developing templates, internal tools, or standardized workflows for high-level projects
Ability to navigate politically sensitive or high-stakes environments with discretion and professionalism
Knowledge of digital asset management systems or tools used for organizing and distributing public-facing content
Certification or training in public engagement, project management, or strategic planning (e.g., IAP2, PMP)
Physical Requirements
Medium: Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes the following components:
Criminal history
Reference checks
Driver's license
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
