Communications Manager 1 - External Relations Director

Working Title: External Relations Director
Job Class: Communications Manager 1
Agency: Explore Minnesota

Job ID: 93540
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% telework
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 04/16/2026
Closing Date: 05/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Explore Minnesota / Explore Minnesota Tourism - Managers
Division/Unit: Explore Minnesota Tourism / Tourism Exec Team
Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $44.03 - $63.35 / hourly; $91,934 - $132,274 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Overview

The External Relations Director oversees all communications, media relations, and legislative relations, providing managerial and strategic leadership for Explore MN (EMN)’s internal and external communications programs. The position develops, implements, and evaluates communication strategies that directly impact the agency’s public reputation, legislative relationships, and internal engagement. The incumbent directs local and national communications strategy, supervises staff, manages crisis response, coordinates with the Governor’s office, and advises executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the agency’s external relations including media relations and crisis communications by developing strategies and overseeing formal processes for public messaging, press releases, media events, reports, and proactive and reactive strategies.
• Direct and manage the agency’s integrated communications strategy, ensuring all department messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with agency priorities.
• Direct and manage our public relations agency of record.
• Lead government and industry related communications programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of experience in advanced communications, public relations, or public affairs.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or another closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to anticipate communications risks and opportunities, public speaking and writing skills.
• Experience managing crisis communications, rapid-response situations, and other high-visibility or high-stakes public information efforts.
• Experience coordinating and integrating external and internal communications, including marketing, social media, and visual communication strategies.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in high-pressure, high-visibility situations.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience managing a team of communications staff.
• Experience cultivating and growing relationships with media/press and industry stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of experience in advanced communications, public relations, or public affairs.
• Experience leading executive communications in a public-sector, corporation, or large nonprofit organization.
• Experience advising or coordinating with Governor’s Offices, legislative, or other high-level government partners.
• Experience directing or contributing to organization-wide strategic planning.
• Experience acting as an organizational or official spokesperson.
• Experience in proactive and crisis communications.
• Knowledge of travel marketing and media and tourism sector.
• Knowledge of MN State government policies, procedures, processes, laws and rules.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of background and reference checks.
• Criminal background check for finalists.
• Driver’s license record check if required for travel.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Benefits

• 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
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Professional Development and Support

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
  • A confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges
  • Supported issues: mental health, relationships, grief, 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, please contact the Careers Help Desk.

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