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Communications and Public Affairs Director-Communications Specialist 3

State of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States


Job Details

Working Title: Communications and Public Affairs Director
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Latino Affairs Council
Job ID: 93775
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes/hybrid
Full/Part Time: Part-Time @ 50% time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 04/24/2026
Closing Date: 05/11/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Latino Affairs Council / Latino Affairs Council-MAPE
Division/Unit: MN Council on Latino Affairs
Work Shift/Work Hours: Any Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Overview
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.

Responsibilities

Develop, integrate, and execute effective communication strategies across all communications channels that promote and advance the statutory purpose, vision, and goals of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.

Write, edit, and provide digital communications support that reaches a variety of audiences throughout the state.

Set the vision and strategy for the agency’s public communications portfolio and advance communications priorities in policy and legislation.

Define and disseminate media content through storytelling; amplify information and resources available to the community.

Manage media relations and develop website communications strategy (writing, editing, and creating content for social media and the website).

Identify the need for new content on the website and social media to reach more community members while maintaining, updating, and editing current web content.

Monitor best practices on similar websites and social media to ensure messages are relevant, timely, and user-friendly.

Highlight key messages, coordinate branding, and integrate social media applications into the communications portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience that include:

Developing content for newsletters, social media, and public webpages.

Knowledge or experience of communication strategies, tools, products, and processes using a culturally sensitive, diverse, and inclusive lens.

Technical writing and oral communications skills.

Proficient skills in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, MS Forms, PowerPoint) or equivalent transferable knowledge base.

Skills/experience in content design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop) or similar transferable knowledge base.

A degree in communications or related field may substitute for professional experience as follows:

Master's degree = 18 months of experience

Bachelor's degree=12 months of experience

Associate degree = 6 months of experience

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview

Demonstrated leadership and critical thinking in identifying and developing an agency communications strategic plan, and the ability to hold others accountable to the strategy.

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences including writing precisely and concisely a wide range of information to the public.

Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with diverse stakeholders so that agency timelines, goals and quality standards are met.

Organizational and time management skills to effectively manage a robust, deadline-driven, and busy communications environment.

Knowledge of cultural norms of diverse Latino communities to connect with them and other partners with cultural competency.

Preferred Qualifications

Research skills and ability to translate research into engaging content.

Interest in legislative and public affairs.

Knowledge or familiarity with Minnesota Latino Communities.

Familiarity with website development, video, and photography skills.

Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Bilingual Spanish-speaking/writing ability.

Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

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 Nella Austin at

nella.austin@state.mn.us

or 651-201-8005.

About Latino Affairs Council
The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs is a state agency that advises the government on matters of interest to Latinos who live in Minnesota. It is a bridge of communication and collaboration between Latinos and the government, the private sector, and nonprofits.

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 well-being

Training, classes, and professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Equal Opportunity
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or other protected characteristics.

Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.

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