Media Relations Specialist I

Senate; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Senate is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to lead media strategy for Senate DFL Caucus members, crafting press releases, columns, social media content, and outreach plans. The role includes coordinating media outreach and providing copywriting support to policy analysts and researchers.

The ideal candidate brings strong writing and verbal communication skills, experience with media relations, and the ability to collaborate with department staff to advance caucus messaging while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Two years of experience in advertising, digital media, video, audio, public relations, market research, writing, journalism, or related.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct media strategy for Senate DFL Caucus members across press releases, columns, social media, and outreach.
• Coordinate media outreach through pitches, advisories, and radio/TV appearances; edit and refine messaging with policy analysts/researchers.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Discretion and confidentiality

Social media familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Two years experience in advertising, digital media, public relations, or related

Tools

Canva

Google Suite

Clipping tools

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