Media Relations Specialist I

Minnesota Senate; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Senate seeks a Media Relations Specialist to assist and direct media strategy for Senate DFL Caucus members, supporting their communication plans. This role provides writing and copyediting across media, and coordinates media outreach to inform public messaging.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing and verbal communication experience and be able to collaborate with policy analysts and designers to craft effective messages during session.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or two years in advertising, digital media, PR or related.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, Senators and staff.
• Familiarity with social media and creative design platforms (Canva, Google Suite, clipping tools).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media strategies for Senate DFL Caucus.
• Write press releases, columns and social media copy.
• Coordinate media outreach and pitches.
• Collaborate with policy analysts/researchers on messaging.
• Assist graphics/video editing to support message delivery.

Skills

Strong written communication

Interpersonal skills

Media relations

Writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree OR Two years experience in related fields

Tools

Canva

Google Workspace

Job description

Who May Apply:

Open to all qualified job seekers

Salary:

$69,196.32 - $114,505.92 annually with salary level within this range commensurate with experience. New hires typically begin toward the lower end of the range, with starting salaries primarily determined by using the Minnesota Senate’s comprehensive salary calculator and are not individually negotiated within the full salary range. A salary premium is applied to the salary range minimum based upon how an applicant’s work experience aligns with the job responsibilities. Future salary movements may occur based on Senate policy, tenure, and work performance.

Telework:

This position works on-site in the Minnesota Senate Building and Capitol during the legislative session. When the legislature is not in session, flexible hybrid options may be available.

Days of Work/Hours:

Monday-Friday/8am-5pm. This position requires long and irregular hours and the ability to meet tight deadlines during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. Additional paid time off will be available.

Appointment Type:

Full-time/Permanent

Status:

Unclassified/At-will

Department:

Senate DFL Media

Reports to:

Associate Director of Communications

Closing Date:

Applications will be accepted until November 30th at 4PM

Position Summary:

The Media Relations Specialist will assist and direct media strategy for Senate DFL Caucus members in pursuit of their communication plans. This position will provide direct writing and communication assistance across media (i.e., press releases, columns, social media), coordinate media outreach (i.e., individual pitches, media advisories, and radio/tv), and provide additional copywriting and editing with policy analysts/researchers for messaging guidance and internal caucus communications. The position will also collaborate with other department staff in producing graphics and video editing to support message delivery.

An ideal candidate will have experience working with the media and public. We seek someone who has strong writing and verbal communication experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

OR

Two (2) years of experience in advertising, digital media, video, audio, public relations, market research, writing, journalism, or related.

In addition to the qualifications listed above, applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other colleagues in department, Senators, and other staff to achieve caucus communication goals.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with tact and diplomacy and maintain confidentiality.
• Familiarity with social media and creative design platforms (i.e., Canva, Google Suite, clipping tools)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with members of the media and the public in a wide variety of situations and settings, including media pitches.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative process to communicate with caucus members, staff, and media on legislative issues.

Competencies:

• Ability to take creative direction and feedback from others.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple on-going projects.

An Equal Opportunity/ADA Employer