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Communications Specialist

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POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Public Affairs
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director of Public Affairs
LOCATION: St. Paul
HOURS/STATUS: Full Time
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 1 year
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYEE GROUP: TEMPO

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Public Affairs, the Communications Specialist will research, write and edit internal and external communications for Education Minnesota through a variety of communications avenues. 

Education Minnesota is a member-led labor union that has identified racial equity and social justice as primary organizational goals. All staff are expected to participate, individually and collectively, in ongoing training, discussions and activities to advance these goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research, write, edit and publish internal and external communications.
  • Conduct research on education issues and labor issues and organizations.
  • Provide writing, proofreading and editing services for a variety of projects as directed by manager, including internal organizing and legislative materials.
  • Collaborate with other staff on news conferences and briefings as appropriate, including preparing Education Minnesota union leaders, educator members and coalition partners.
  • Write opinion pieces for major newspapers and other news outlets.
  • Coordinate Education Minnesota public events as directed by manager.
  • Provide communications counsel, including strategic and message development advice, to Education Minnesota staff, leaders and members on union bargaining, member support, legislative issues and other topics.
  • Develop and present training programs and materials for Education Minnesota staff, leaders and members.
  • Participate in the formulation of the union’s communication and legislative agendas with member committees and other staff.
  • Participate in internal and external anti-racist trainings to support growth and individual racial equity goals, including assessments of intercultural competence.  
  • Write articles for the Minnesota Educator and support the content on the Education Minnesota website and social media channels and other media relations activities.
  • Attend various internal and external meetings as assigned.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Excellent communications/public relations skills, including writing and editing.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and work independently in accomplishing objectives and goals in meeting numerous deadlines.
  • Demonstrated video development and editing skills.
  • Experience with website content management platforms and social media channels.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform and work well in a dynamic team setting under deadlines/pressures.
  • Ability to think both strategically and creatively to solve problems.
  • Accurate word processing and editing skills.
  • High tolerance for interruptions; ability to switch gears quickly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • B.A. degree and a minimum three years’ experience in a news reporting, copy editing position or another closely related communications field or
  • AA/AS degree and five years’ experience in a news reporting, copy editing position or another closely related communications field.
  • Valid Minnesota driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong knowledge of education and labor issues, policy and finance.
  • Policy research experience.
  • Strong photography and video skills.
  • Experience running live videos and virtual press conferences.
  • B.A. degree in journalism or mass communications.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel with overnights stays.
  • Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Maintain confidential information related to the organization, members and potential members, and staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Employee is required to: talk and hear; have color vision, frequently stand, walk and repetitively use hands dexterously (use fingers to handle, feel); reach with hands and arms; bend and physically lift and carry up to 40 pounds; occasionally lift up to 75 pounds and infrequently travel by various conveyances (e.g., air, rail, auto).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a general office environment. This position will interact with employees, vendors, members and the general public on a somewhat regular basis. These interactions require judgment and discretion that can involve confidential information, private information and some disagreeable human interactions.

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Education Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where diversity is valued, supported and celebrated to benefit applicants, employees, members and students. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, job requirements and business needs. Education Minnesota strongly encourages women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants and veterans to apply.

POSTING DEADLINE: For consideration, apply online and include a resume. Posting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Apply now

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