Working Title: Public Engagement and Communications Director
Job Class: Information Officer 4
Agency: Transportation Dept
Job ID : 90677
Location : Duluth
Telework Eligible : Yes, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement and has in-person reporting requirements (see details below)
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/08/2025
Closing Date : 01/05/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / Transportation-MMA
Division/Unit : District 1A - Duluth / District 1 Duluth
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $35.38 - $51.28 / hourly; $73,873 - $107,072 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.
This position will guide and direct public engagement, outreach and communication efforts in MnDOT District One in accordance with MnDOT's Public Engagement Policy. This includes developing public engagement plans with planning, project, and program managers; producing media to inform and engage the public in a variety of settings; and engaging the public directly. This also includes directing, planning, coordinating and executing an effective communication effort to strengthen public/private partnerships and broaden knowledge of transportation issues to ensure that information about MnDOT policy, programs and activities is available to constituent groups. This position also serves as the principal contact or spokesperson for local news media in regard to policy, actions and decisions. The position utilizes communication skills, human understanding, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion to effectively engage the public in order to advance the mission of the Department.
This position is located at the Duluth Headquarters Building in Duluth, MN and may have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify, Information Officer 4 applicants must meet one of the following:
Two (2) years of professional supervisory experience (supervising professional level employees) related to communications, engagement and outreach demonstrating all the requirements listed below.
OR
Three (3) years of advanced professional level experience related to communications, engagement and outreach (e.g., Information Officer 3 or higher) demonstrating all requirements listed below:
Experience must demonstrate:
Experience developing strategic plans.
Experience developing and carrying out engagement activities.
Experience developing and delivering presentations.
Knowledge of market research and analysis.
Please note: A bachelor's or master's degree in Communications or a closely related field (e.g., English, Journalism, etc.) substitutes for six (6) months of advanced professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous supervisory experience.
Knowledge of the project development and project management processes.
Knowledge of transportation issues, construction and maintenance concepts.
Physical Requirements
General Office
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use wrists, hands, and fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Technical-Field
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to work outside exposed to the weather elements (both cold and hot). The employee will frequently drive a motor vehicle. Periodically, the employee will walk on even and uneven/sloping ground. The employee may work in high volume traffic zones in day and night time conditions. The employee must be able to wear and use personal protective equipment to protect the head, eyes, hearing, respiration, visibility, and feet from injury as needed.
Additional Requirements
Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check
It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Employment Reference Check
Education/License Verification
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.
