Working Title: Communications Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 90085
Location : Various*
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/06/2025
Closing Date : 11/25/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : Operations Division / Communication Unit 1
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Detroit Lakes, or St. Paul.
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 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) communications specialist leads high-profile and contentious communications projects statewide. This individual manages strategic communications for specific divisions, working directly with division leadership and program leads to develop and execute communications plans and proactive media strategies, including media and outreach events with key stakeholder groups, to support MPCA initiatives and engagement opportunities. The incumbent will organize community meetings and lead issue management or their assigned division(s), which includes activities ranging from developing messages and crafting communication materials to preparing speakers, organizing events targeting various audiences, and evaluating the impact of communication tactics. They will manage project timelines, lead teams of communications colleagues, and maintain positive relationships with internal and external audiences.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:
Three (3) years of professional experience in strategic communications, including media relations.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications plans, including crafting messages, identifying target audiences, developing content strategies, and writing for a variety of platforms.
Strong media relations skills with demonstrated success in crafting proactive messaging and materials, developing and maintaining effective relationships with members of the media, and coordinating media events.
Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills in order to distill complex topics into clear and concise analyses for general audiences.
Accomplished planning and organizational skills to independently and effectively manage multiple projects at times in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Human relations and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and create understanding within with a wide range of clientele, partners, and interested parties.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; journalism, communications/marketing, political science, or related field.
General knowledge of or experience with environmental issues including air, water, and land.
Familiarity with regulatory and permitting processes.
Creative problem solving, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively and confidently persuade, present, and champion recommendations and objectives.
Proficiency in understanding and using Associated Press style.
Additional Requirements
Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver's license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification where applicable
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.
