Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 2_

**Working Title: Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 2****Job Class: Communications Specialist 2****Agency: Education Department**+ **Job ID** : 79039+ **Location** : Minneapolis+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes - Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis.+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers+ **Date Posted** : 08/05/2024+ **Closing Date** : 08/26/2024+ **Bid Open** : 08/05/2024+ **Bid Close** : 08/12/2024+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE+ **Division/Unit** : Education-St Paul / Creative Services and Support+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday+ **Travel Required** : No+ **Salary Range:** $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / 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 (ov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : YesCURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.**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.The start date for this position will be November 20, 2024.As a Communications Specialist in the Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) Communications Division, you support effective communications to the agency and its customers through various channels, strategies and projects to strengthen partnerships and broaden knowledge of key education priorities across the state. Duties will include:+ Support the high quality of all web content and serve as an accessibility and plain language expert;+ Ensure the written quality of legislative reports, executive team projects and Communications Division projects;+ Keep content on the agency's intranet site (Inside MDE) up to date;+ Serve as primary administrator and manager of the agency's GovDelivery mass email platform, including approving all outgoing emails and supporting and training GovDelivery administrators through the agency.**Minimum Qualifications**3 years of related professional experience in CommunicationsORA bachelor's degree AND 2 years of related professional experience in Communications**Preferred Qualifications**+ Expertise in digital accessibility requirements and best practices for websites and digital communications, especially in WCAG 2.1 standards and Section 508 accessibility requirements+ Experience in writing for varied audiences to effectively communicate, including using AP style, plain language and brand voice+ Ability to meticulously proofread documents for accuracy+ Highly proficient in learning and using Content Management Systems, such as Oracle+ Experience with using and/or administering mass emailing platforms, such as GovDelivery+ Experience with providing high-quality customer service+ Comfort convening and leading group meetings**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 ReviewThe Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota 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.