This is a temporary full-time position (40 hours per week) with a duration of up to 12 months.
This position reports to the Minneapolis Health Department's Communications Manager and will focus on but not limited to the communications specific to the department's climate equity work. The communications specialist assists with climate communication planning and implementation, in collaboration with Health Department colleagues (including the Climate and Sustainability staff) and works collaboratively with Health Department leadership and staff to promote the climate work of the department and communicate public health messaging to multiple audiences in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways. The position assists the Communications Manager in responding to climate-related media requests for information and increases the capacity of Department staff to improve both internal and external communication within the department, media, and other department stakeholders.
On an ongoing basis, the Communications Specialist works with Health Department staff, City Communications staff, and communications staff from community organizations and other county or state agencies. The position is responsible for maintaining positive working relationships with a variety of governmental, nonprofit, and community-based partners.
The position does not supervise staff.
Work Location:Â This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.
Assist the Communications Manager to
- Develop and implement climate-related communications plans and strategies to effectively communicate with targeted partners and stakeholders.
- Develop and carry out proactive initiatives to highlight the accomplishments of and attributes of the Health Department.
- Develop and carry out communication strategies to promote effective communication regarding core health department initiatives and programs such the Climate Legacy Initiative and work driven by the Climate Equity Plan. Examples of specific programs include the Green Cost Share program, Weatherization programs, and the City Trees program.
- Work with City Communications to assist in strategic planning, media relations, crisis communications, web, television, and social media strategies, and oversight of published materials related to the department's climate work other health-related initiatives
- Research, write, edit, and produce brochures, social media posts, videos, flyers, graphics and web items to inform various audiences, including residents, neighborhood groups, and elected officials.
- Enhance internal communications through e-newsletters and other means.
- As needed, help respond to climate-related media inquiries regarding department actions.
- Story mine and pitch climate-related stories to local, regional and national media.
- Arrange stories, news conferences and events to showcase the City's commitment to climate work.
- Promote the department's climate-related programs and services through earned and paid media.
- As needed, brief and advise Department leadership who will speak to the media and provide them with talking points, fact sheets and other preparatory materials.
- Provide communications support for public health or other city emergencies.
Education:Â Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or Broadcasting
Experience:Â One year experience in public relations, public affairs, marketing, or broadcasting working for a print, radio or TV media outlet.
Desired experience
One or more years of experience working for or with the media, managing projects, developing marketing content or managing campaigns, and experience creating communications for a variety of racially and culturally diverse audiences.
Prior writing and editing experience.
A background  telling climate stories.
Equivalency:Â An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Required Attachments
Resume and Cover Letter is required to be considered for this position.
Recommended
Submitting a work sample is encouraged but not required.Â
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA)Â Labor Agreements - City of Minneapolis.Â
Eligible List Statement
The names of applicants who meet the minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire 1 month after it has been established.
Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
Benefits
Temporary employees are not eligible for paid time off benefits such as vacation or holiday pay. Temporary employees may be eligible for sick leave per the Minneapolis Safe and Sick Time Ordinance. If eligible, they may accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. They may use their earned sick and safe time as it is accrued. Temporary employees who work 30 or more hours may enroll in the City of Minneapolis Medical Plan.Â
- Ability to present information and ideas accurately, effectively, and concisely. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Past experience developing and implementing communication plans in a governmental or non-profit environment Â
- Past experience effectively communicating with linguistically and racially diverse urban audiences.
- Experience in and ability to work in a collaborative environment, particularly with the Health Department, City of Minneapolis staff, community stakeholders and state and county governments.
- Ability to work in an environment that requires flexibility, responsiveness, and multi-tasking.Â
- Good knowledge of modern office computer software and of desktop publication software.
- Ability to work with a variety of software tools, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva and Photoshop. Video production and digital media skills (especially social media expertise), including updating websites.
