Working Title : Public Engagement Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Minnesota Management & Budget
Job ID: 96268
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 08/25/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
Division/Unit: Communications
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,400 - $113,274 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: MAPE
FLSA Status: Exempt
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.
Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is seeking a strategic and collaborative communications professional to lead public outreach, external engagement, and designated communications and marketing efforts across the agency. This role ensures clear, consistent communication with the public, key stakeholder groups, and enterprise partners while advancing MMB's mission and elevating the work of the Planning & Policy division, particularly the Long-Range Planning team. The Public Engagement Specialist leads the development of outreach plans, engagement strategies, and communication initiatives that reach diverse audiences, including non-profit organizations, local communities, communities of color, underserved and low-income communities, state agencies, and local governments.
Job duties for this position include:
Leading development of agency outreach plans in collaboration with MMB business teams, including coordination of outreach in conjunction with other agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
Leading and directing communications and marketing for designated areas of MMB to meet division, agency, and enterprise needs.
Collaborating with management and staff to establish priorities, coordinate the planning, design and production of agency communication materials, including brochures, reports, plans, PowerPoint presentations, communication deliverables, and other resources to maintain consistency and quality.
Tracking and responding to incoming requests for public information from media stakeholders, enterprise representatives, and the general public.
Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, 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. Candidates must clearly demonstrate all the following qualifications on their resume. Resume tips are available here (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/applicant-help/resume-tips/) .
Four (4) years of communications experience leading or coordinating public engagement or external outreach efforts, including developing, producing, and managing communication materials for public-facing audiences.
Experience must include:
Responding to or managing media inquiries, serving as a spokesperson, or preparing materials for executive-level leadership on public-facing issues.
Writing and editing skills sufficient to produce clear, plain-language content for the public, stakeholders, and executive audiences across print, digital, and web platforms.
Developing communication strategies, including selecting communication channels, crafting key messages, and ensuring consistency with brand standards.
Advising leadership on communications approaches, including providing guidance on message development, timing, potential public impact, and strategies for addressing sensitive or high-visibility issues.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including executives, project teams, enterprise agencies, legislative offices, and members of the public.
Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or public relations may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A master's degree in any of the previously listed fields may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A doctorate degree in any of the previously listed fields may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
MMB values diverse perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Your unique skills and background might be just what we need!
A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or public relations.
Experience developing communication or outreach strategies within a government, public sector, or complex enterprise environment.
Experience planning and promoting public meetings, community engagement sessions, or large-scale outreach initiatives.
Experience coordinating the work of graphic designers, web editors, contractors, or vendors in the development of communication materials.
Additional Requirements
It is the policy of Minnesota Management and Budget that a successful candidate must pass all required checks prior to employment which may consist of the below checks:
SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
Criminal history check
Reference check
Social Security and address verification
Education verification
Conflict of interest review
Other legally or internal policy required checks
A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices.
Minnesota Management & Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management & Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
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.
