Job Details

Working Title: Communications Project Manager
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 80320
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes - details in job summary
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/20/2024
• Closing Date: 10/10/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / OSD OCO Outreach & Education
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• 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

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

The DNR is currently seeking a Communications Project Manager in St. Paul, MN. This position serves as a communications project manager for the agency, embedded in the Office of Communication and Outreach (OCO), providing expert assessment of current state, gap analysis, KPI creation and monitoring, intervention testing, data analysis, and change management for communications and outreach efforts and initiatives. This includes analyzing internal and external resources, partnership with critical subject matter experts, creation of training materials, coaching, and training of best practices (train the trainer), and excellent relationship management to impact change throughout the agency. The position incumbent will keep abreast of, and participate in, national and industry project management best practices and serve as the technical expert on subject matter to ensure efficient rollout of new systems, tools, or process improvements. The incumbent will serve as lead worker on communications projects and initiatives as assigned and facilitate continuous improvement audits and implementation across the section and agency on key communications work through monitoring of KPIs. This position will serve as senior advisor to leadership on setting priorities for continuous improvement projects and targets for KPIs and communications objectives.
Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Under administrative direction, manage assigned major communications projects and initiatives from planning through implementation to ensure optimal efficiency and fiscal responsibility of communication and outreach programs and efforts.
• Under administrative direction, manage continuous improvement efforts for the communication and outreach functions of the DNR and the operations of the Office of Communications and Outreach.
• Under administrative direction, manage agency communication and outreach teams in response to crisis or highly sensitive situations.
• Participate in, facilitate, and/or support other assigned communications duties.

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional experience in long-range and strategic planning, developing programs and procedures, directing projects, and forging partnerships, sufficient to organize projects with others, establish goals and timetables, clarify mutual expectations, develop and implementation trainings, and evaluate results.
  • A bachelor’s degree in business, project management, communications, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience using project management best practices; project planning, and operations sufficient to organize projects and negotiate for resources to ensure the successful completion of projects.
• Knowledge of communications best practices including writing, editing, communications planning and implementation, goal and KPI setting, and reporting.
• Ability to motivate internal and external partners to provide support and collaborate on coordinated plans, including but not limited to the Governor’s Office, Commissioner’s Office, and all DNR divisions and regions.
• Ability to form relationships and influence decision-making, to work with diverse groups who have divergent ideas and help them identify and take action toward a common goal.
• Ability to facilitate large groups, draft meeting agendas, and develop concise and accurate meeting summaries.
• Coordination skills to keep multiple levels of planning and logistics on schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree, advanced training, or certification in business, project management, communications, or related field.
• Experience working in and manipulating reporting and project management tools such as Power BI and others.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or other project management and/or process improvement certification.
• Experience working as part of a communications team or closely with communications professionals to manage and implement project as well as track and report metrics.
• Experience working in or with local, state, or federal government.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to establish a system of measures and evaluate project results and to critique the analytical methods and results.
• Experience in and knowledge of fiscal and purchasing processes.

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.
Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

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 Matt Simmons at matt.simmons@state.mn.us or 651-259-5367.
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 Chatava Cayo at chatava.cayo@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.