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Working Title: Public Information Officer

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Office of Cannabis Management

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/17/2024

• Closing Date : 05/01/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of Cannabis Management

• Division/Unit : Communications Office

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Public Information Officer will assist the Communications Director in the composition and administration of external media relations for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). This position will work closely with OCM leadership to strategically develop and execute engagement activities, outreach efforts, and media initiatives.

This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two days per week and is expected to be in the office three days per week.

A successful incumbent will be able to:

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and maintain positive relationships with internal and external audiences and key stakeholder groups

• Plan and implement public information actions so stakeholders are proactively advised of OCM activities, educational events, emergencies, and other events

• Respond to requests for public information and prepare OCM staff for media interviews

• Provide communications counsel and support for legislative efforts

• Effectively and professionally represent the agency at meetings, seminars, and conferences on cannabis issues

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or public relations. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience must clearly demonstrate the following:

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills

• Ability to

• Develop and coordinate effective communications and communication strategy

• Respond to media requests

• Effectively utilize media and communications channels during a crisis

• Provide communications expertise and consultation to agency leadership and stakeholders

• Establish and maintain professional relationships and communicate effectively with agency stakeholders, both internal and external

• Use diverse media outlets and vehicles to present complex or new plans, ideas, and data to a variety of audiences

• Use computers and technology sufficient to draft memos, newsletters, press releases, blogs, social media content, presentations, and graphics

• Work effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

In addition, applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a regulated industry or knowledge of MN cannabis laws, regulations, and policies

Bilingual in English and another language relevant to prominent MN communities such as Spanish, Hmong, or Somali

Knowledge of plain language, ADA Title II requirements, the Minnesota Government and Data Practices Act, and digital accessibility tools

Experience organizing events

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and former state employees only)

• Employment reference check

• Conflict of interest review

• Criminal background check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.