Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (Temp is hiring: Communications Writer in Mi

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking a creative, skilled, organized and motivated individual to provide a variety of communications writing, including but not limited to news releases, project updates, email marketing and social media content creation and customer service to increase public awareness, appreciation and use of park activities, facilities and services.

This is a great opportunity for an individual with strong journalism and/or public relations writing and social media marketing skills. This temporary position is for 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm, for approximately nine months, starting Monday, July 14, 2025. Training and work duties will be performed at the MPRB HQ building, with the ability to request a limited hybrid remote work schedule following training period and six months of in-office work.

• Research, interview internal and external subject experts, and create original, timely, accurate and well-crafted content for MPRB news releases, email marketing, social media content creation and special promotions. Modify content for appropriate audiences, platform and deliverables.
• Develop content across a variety of platforms that highlights the programs, services, projects and accomplishments of the MPRB, translating complex information to appropriate reading and interest levels.
• Assist with creating engaging social media content for MPRB Facebook and Instagram accounts.
• Monitoring and moderating comments on social media posts and responding to social media comments and direct messages from the public.
• Apply creativity and imagination to develop materials and to adapt and update previously written content to achieve goals of organization and to reach specific audiences.
• Ensure that all written content receives necessary approvals prior to publishing.
• Assist as needed with the Communications and Marketing team’s editorial calendar and writing projects.
• Provide proofreading and editing of existing material for proper grammar, punctuation, usage and plain language best practices.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside of the Communications and Marketing Department.
• Understand the priorities, goals and objectives of various assignments and perform those assignments within the context of MPRB’s mission and vision.
• Keep Media Relations and Social Media Manager promptly informed of significant issues or matters of concern.
• Perform other duties and apparent or assigned.

Compensation

$26 – $30 per hour, depending on skills and professional work experience.

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), medical insurance will be offered to temporary employees in this job classification who, at the time of hire, are reasonably expected to work 30 or more hours per week for 6 months or longer. The ACA eligibility rules apply to medical insurance only. This position is eligible for sick and safe leave in accordance with the Minneapolis Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time. This position may be eligible for retirement benefits. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Work Season and Hours

40 hours weekly, between 8:30 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Start date of Monday, July 14, 2025. Position is for approximately 9 months, with the possibility of extension.

Work Location

Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters Building, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN, 55411. On-site work is required with ability to request a limited hybrid remote work schedule following training period, six months of in-office work, and as equipment and scheduling allows

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, English or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional work experience interviewing subject experts and writing compelling information about a variety of topics, including complex issues and projects.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional work experience creating effective social media content on Facebook and Instagram for a government agency, news organization, non-profit, or business.
• Effective interviewing techniques and Federal Plain Language guidelines.
• Effective use of computers and software applications used in communications and marketing and delivery of information (e.g. email marketing, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office 365 applications).
• Strong judgment and journalistic integrity and experience in maintaining confidentiality in work-related matters.
• Excellent communication, editing and proofreading skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and work efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Strong self-management skills to work independently and be motivated, flexible and able to multitask.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience writing copy and providing design direction for flyers, forms, and other onsite signage.
• Experience on WordPress to post news releases and announcements on www.minneapolisparks.org news section.
• Experience working as a team member in small communications group and with others in various departments.
• Experience working in government communications.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for the Minneapolis Park system.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence to provide original ideas, solutions, and implementation plans.
• Ability to learn new and/or research new processes, practices, technology and techniques.

Application Deadline

12:00PM (Noon) Wednesday, June 4, 2025

How to Apply

Email cover letter, resume and at least three writing samples to Robin Smothers, rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org . Cover letter needs to clearly state interest in position and availability of workdays and start date. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the MPRB to obtain a criminal history check in connection with the position sought. Reference checks and a review of past work may also be considered.

The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco-free workplace and park system.

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