Communication Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist

POSITION JOB#: 2024-18

DEPARTMENT: Public Affairs

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Public Affairs

LOCATION: St Paul Office

HOURS/STATUS: Full Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYEE GROUP: TEMPO

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 12 Months

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Public Affairs, the Public Affairs Specialist will work as part of a team of Public Affairs staff who plan, coordinate, and execute internal and external communications including a variety of print and digital channels to further the mission of Education Minnesota and its local unions.

Education Minnesota is a member-led labor union that has identified racial equity and social justice as primary organizational goals. All staff are expected to participate, individually and collectively, in ongoing training, discussions, and activities to advance these goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceptualize, research, write, edit, proof and coordinate print and online production of Education Minnesota publications, including but not limited to Minnesota Educator, a bimonthly 24-page magazine.
• Oversee expense and revenue budgets for Minnesota Educator including general oversight of the advertising program.
• Work with colleagues in the Public Affairs department to ensure Education Minnesota's strategic communications and content are coordinated and consistent among various communication channels, both print and digital.
• Produce video content for the organization, including filming, editing, and captioning.
• Support the strategic communications of Education Minnesota and its local unions by supporting state and local leaders and staff on communications planning, writing, editing, and content creation.
• Conceptualize, research, write, edit, proof and coordinate production of a wide range of communication pieces to support various projects.
• Provide back-up support to other Education Minnesota communications professionals, including proofing.
• Support the expanding digital work of the organization with content creation.
• Plan, write, and present communications-related training.
• Maintain relationships with publication printers, mail house, post office, and other editors both inside and outside the organization.
• Provide work direction for assigned support staff.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience producing full color publications.
• Strong writer with ability to make complex topics understandable and interesting.
• Exceptional editor and proofreader, with deep knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Ability to perform and work well under deadlines/pressures.
• Ability to think both strategically and creatively to solve problems.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, work independently in accomplishing objectives.
• Working knowledge of desktop publishing, graphic design, video editing, printing, and photography.
• Ability to collaborate and work with others to achieve common goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree - Journalism, English or Communications.
• Minimum of five years' experience in public relations, journalism, publication writing and editing.
• Valid driver's license.
• Reliable transportation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience producing professional video content.
• Experience editing organizational publications.
• Strong knowledge of education and labor issues.
• Policy and research experience.
• Strong photography and video skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Some travel with overnight stays.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a general office environment. This position will interact with employees, vendors, members, and the general public on a somewhat regular basis. These interactions require judgment and discretion that can involve confidential information, private information and some disagreeable human interactions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is in a general office environment. Employee is required to: talk and hear; frequently stand, walk, and repetitively use hands dexterously (use fingers to handle, feel), reach with hands and arms, bend and physically, lift and carry up to 5 pounds; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and infrequently travel by various conveyances (e.g., air, rail, auto).

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Maintain confidential information related to the organization, members and potential members, and staff.

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Education Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where diversity is valued, supported, and celebrated to benefit applicants, employees, members, and students. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, job requirements and business needs. Education Minnesota strongly encourages women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and veterans to apply.

POSTING DEADLINE: For best consideration, apply online and include a resume. Posting will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.