Job Details

Communications Specialist 4

Job Class: Communications Specialist 4

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

Job ID: 96355

Location: St. Paul

Telework Eligible: Yes

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Closing Date: 09/08/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE

Division/Unit: Operations Division / Communications and Outreach Section

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: No

Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,399 - $113,274 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Communication Specialist 4 will develop and execute senior-level communications, outreach, and engagement strategy with specific focus on priority agency initiatives, proactive external relationship development, and highly visible initiatives and high-profile projects. The incumbent in this position will play a key role in the agency's risk communications, and is expected to navigate complex and contentious projects, with the ability to anticipate potential complications and build trust among stakeholders. The incumbent will develop and execute media and outreach events with key stakeholder groups to support MPCA initiatives and engagement opportunities. The incumbent will work closely with communications, public engagement, government relations, and environmental justice teams, as well as applicable program staff across divisions.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Four (4) years of professional experience in strategic communications and marketing/public relations, 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 including press releases, web content, and social media.
• Demonstrated experience developing executive leadership platforms, messaging and presentations including development of PowerPoint materials and speeches.
• Demonstrated speechwriting skills with the ability to quickly formulate complex topics, including those related to legislative action, and messaging into clear, concise and digestible information for a variety of audiences including lawmakers and the general public.
• Ability to build strong relationships with organization's top leadership and to convey complex information in leaders' tone and style.
• Ability to quickly understand the agency's mission, goals, programs, operational issues, delivery structure, policies, procedures and governing laws to effectively represent the agency in materials for senior leadership during regular and legislative sessions.
• Human relations and communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and create understanding within 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.
• Experience working in a government or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of political and legislative processes at state and/or federal level.
• Demonstrated experience communicating with external parties about environmental policy issues.
• Experience managing large-scale communications projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, timeline management, and resource allocation.
• 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.
• 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.