MnSCU Academic Professional 6 - Director, Media Relations

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Working Title:

MnSCU Academic Professional 6 - Director, Media Relations

Institution:

Minnesota State System Office

Classification Title:

MnSCU Academic Professional 6

Bargaining Unit / Union:

217: Commissioner's Plan - Confidential

City:

St. Paul

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$39.34 - $58.47

Job Description

This position is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team with primary responsibility for defining, designing and implementing communications and public relations strategies and programs within the Minnesota State system to strengthen the reputation of Minnesota State and its 33 colleges and universities. In addition, this position serves as a spokesperson for Minnesota State, the main contact for media within the organization, and has the responsibility to provide timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.

Specific Duties Include:

• Strengthen the reputation of Minnesota State and its colleges and universities by developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving public relations and media relation policies, strategies, practices, and action plans to increase awareness among key audiences.

• Establish, build, and maintain media relations with reporters and media outlets in order to effectively position Minnesota State as the most effective workforce development tool the state and its citizens have to ensure individual and community prosperity.

• Develop communication strategies and plans in collaboration with all 33 institutions to strengthen the reputation and support the objectives of the campuses and the system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of professional communication and writing experience in large complex, decentralized organizations, a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (communications, English, journalism, etc.) would count as two (2) years towards this requirement.

• Demonstrated superior writing skills with a range of writing experiences, including the ability to write and edit various types of content (presentations, speeches, press releases, articles, blog posts, etc.) for expression, organization, strategic intent, grammar, style, and sentence structure.

• Experience developing compelling messages for target audiences and weaving societal trends, nuances, and language into writing, with an awareness of Minnesota and global contexts.

• Demonstrated sound news judgment, experience working with media, and effective verbal communication skills to facilitate meetings and present to groups of 10 or more senior managers.

• Familiarity with established and emerging uses of technology, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception through execution, communicating progress and end results.

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, respond to quick turnaround times, and exhibit political acumen with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

Preferred Qualification 

• Advanced degree in related field - communications, English, journalism, etc. Additional years of related experience considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Experience in Minnesota Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, business associations, community organizations, non-profit groups, policy/think tanks; etc.

• Experience in a college or university setting, philanthropy, public policy, non-profit organization, government, or public service.

Other Requirements

Please provide a copy of a recent written work product that you have authored and that you believe exemplifies your professional writing skills.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Position is responsible for providing timely assistance and communications counsel whenever needed, including beyond standard working hours.

Telework (Yes/No)

Hybrid

About

Minnesota State is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing talented employees who serve our 270,000 students each year throughout the state. We have a vibrant and diverse system of 33 colleges and universities with 14,200 dedicated faculty and staff focused on student success.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have