Communications Specialist 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry seeks a Communications Specialist 2 in St. Paul to coordinate department-wide external communications projects and educational programs.

You will also manage website/intranet content, expand social media reach, and act as editor/writer for internal and external communications. A two-year editing/writing background is required, with a relevant bachelor’s degree permitting substitution for one year of experience.

Qualifications

• Two years professional experience editing, writing, and producing technical or journalistic documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or English may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the design and implementation of department-wide external communication projects and educational programs.
• Coordinate website and intranet design, editorial content, accessibility compliance, and publishing tasks as assigned.
• Expand the agency's social media reach and presence by helping manage and oversee the agency's social media channels.
• Serve as editor and writer for the departments’ written internal and external communications.

Skills

Editing/Writing

Communication skills

Accessibility knowledge

Graphic design basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/PR/Marketing/Journalism/English

Tools

Desktop publishing

Web content maintenance

Graphic design basics

Social media management

Job description

Working together to improve the state we love, the Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agencyoversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

Working Title: Communications Specialist 2
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2
Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Job ID: 97872
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/21/2026
• Closing Date: 11/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor and Industry-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Communications
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,139 - $91,225 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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.

• Coordinate the design and implementation of department-wide external communication projects and educational programs.
• Coordinate website and intranet design, editorial content, accessibility compliance, and publishing tasks as assigned.
• Expand the agency's social media reach and presence by helping manage and oversee the agency's social media channels.
• Serve as editor and writer for the departments’ written internal and external communications.

Coordinate communications so the department’s messages are consistent and reach target audiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years professional experience* editing, writing, and producing technical documents or journalistic documents to successfully develop and implement outreach and communications efforts, campaigns and programs.

*A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or English, may substitute for one year of experience.

• Experience designing graphic elements of newsletters, web pages and reports.
• News writing and editing skills such as proper grammar and punctuation usage, accurate spelling, proofreading, and plain language skills.
• Computer skills sufficient to create documents using word programs, spreadsheet documents, desktop publishing, graphic design, social media content and website maintenance.
• Written and communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with clients and employees at all levels.
• Human relations skills sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or English.
• Experience crafting successful communication plans and strategic messaging to effectively achieve internal and external outreach and education goals.
• Experience working in news media, public relations, state government communications or similar environments.
• Experience creating or remediating electronic documents, products, video, and audio that are accessible to those with disabilities.
• Experience with emerging technologies in areas related to desktop publishing, image and graphic editing, publications, social media, and audio and video projects.
• Experience managing social media accounts and developing content to foster community interaction.
• Experience in meeting deadlines. Good attention to detail. Customer service skills.
• Language skills other than English (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen or ASL).

Additional Requirements

It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted aninterview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;
• Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;
• Be a United States citizen or resident alien;
• Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001 as shown on your form DD-214.

To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e‑mail or fax to:Jenny Karjala443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [e-mail] .

Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
• Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
• Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.

To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e‑mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [e-mail] , or fax [phone].

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 Jenny Karjala at [e-mail] .

About Labor & Industry Dept

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agencyoversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

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

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 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.