Forestry Communications Coordinator – Communications Specialist 4

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title: Forestry Communications Coordinator**

**Job Class: Communications Specialist 4**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID**: 81595
* **Location**: St. Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes, up to 3 days per week
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted**: 11/09/2024
* **Closing Date**: 12/02/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit**: Forestry
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Day Shift
* **Days of Work**: Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: Yes, approx. 1 night per month
* **Salary Range:** $35.43 – $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 – $109,682 / annually
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
* **FLSA Status**: Exempt – Administrative
* 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.

**Job Summary**
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This position leads and coordinates the administration of the statewide Forestry Communications Program as a strategic element to achieve the work of the Division of Forestry and mission of the Department of Natural Resources.

This position shares the story of the Division of Forestry with the public and partners and advances internal communication. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Multi-Platform Content Development and Delivery

* Lead communications, public relations, and outreach initiatives for Forestry, including communication plans.
* Plan, create, implement, and evaluate unified communications and outreach efforts that broaden awareness of forestry in Minnesota and build engagement in DNR Forestry programs.
* Lead a strategic approach to outreach and communication materials
* Provide expert consultation to Forestry leadership.

Media Relations

Strategic and Priority Communications

* Develop strategies to define key messages and information needs to key audience segments.
* Recommend communication strategies, activities, products, and funding to decision makers in DNR.

Lead Forestry Communications Unit

* Provide lead work to Outreach Specialists, Digital Media Coordinator, and Statewide Wildfire Prevention Specialist.

Internal Communication

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Four (4) years of professional experience in communications, outreach, or public relations that includes establishing goals and objectives that guide communications work for a large agency/organization; planning, implementing, and measuring the success of communication strategies sufficient to successfully develop and implement program outreach and communication efforts, campaigns, programs; developing and implementing communication plans for large-scale or significant efforts or campaigns. Four (4) years of professional experience in communications, outreach, or public relations that includes establishing goals and objectives that guide communications work for a large agency/organization; planning, implementing, and measuring the success of communication strategies sufficient to successfully develop and implement program outreach and communication efforts, campaigns, programs; developing and implementing communication plans for large-scale or significant efforts or campaigns.
* Knowledge of current communications tools and techniques sufficient to develop and implement successful outreach campaigns and ability to manage a complex multi-platform public relations program. This includes creating and leading communication plans across multiple platforms such as web, social, print, etc.
* Ability to conduct effective media interviews, establish effective relationships with the media, and train staff on effective media strategies and tactics.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills to speak or write in an effective and engaging manner with large or small groups, all levels of employees in the agency, legislative committees, officials of other agencies, private groups, or the public; to develop engaging content (copy and design) for multiple audiences; write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and conduct training sessions with division staff or outside groups.
* Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and maintain effective teams and manage, guide, and communicate with staff and partners at all levels.
* Strong skills in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening, and negotiation sufficient to work with diverse groups, stakeholders, etc.
* Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, recognize problems, and provide actionable solutions.
* Knowledge of strategic communications, performance measurement, and program evaluation methods to ensure unit and program goals and objectives are achieved.
* Knowledge of and ability to evaluate emerging communications technologies and methodologies in social media, digital content, graphic design, behavior trends, visual aids, and other areas sufficient to further knowledge of and influence behavior related to natural resource systems.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* Advanced degree in communications, public affairs, or related field.
* Knowledge of forestry and natural resource science issues and future/current developments occurring in Minnesota sufficient to lead development of Forestry communications and strategies.
* Experience launching a new social media channel for a statewide agency or large organization.

### **Additional Requirements**

No driving duties are required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources 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

**Application Details**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

### **Contact**

If you have questions about this position, contact Amy Kay Kerber at amykay.kerber@state.mn.us or 651-259-5272.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@state.mn.us.

#### **Working together to improve the state we love.**

What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?

* A sense of purpose in their work
* Connection with their coworkers and communities
* Opportunities for personal and professional growth

#### **Benefits**

As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

#### **Your benefits may include:**

* Paid vacation and sick leave
* 12 paid holidays each year
* Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
+ Fertility care, including IVF
+ Diabetes care
+ Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
* 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
* Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
* Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
* Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
* Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
* Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

#### **Support to help you reach your career goals:**

* Training, classes, and professional development
* Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

#### **Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:**

* A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
* Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
* Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

**Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies** based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS**

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

**APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES**

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.