Operations Communication Supervisor - Communications Supervisor

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a seasoned communications leader in St. Paul. The role focuses on guiding a team, aligning workloads with agency priorities, and driving strategic internal and external communications across programs.

This position requires public relations expertise, media relations knowledge, and the ability to advise leadership on sensitive issues while coordinating cross‑team projects. Telework is eligible for qualifying Minnesota residents.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising or leading a team and driving work through others.
• Completion of a Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4).
• Experience leading programs or chairing committees (e.g. ERG) with documented time commitments.
• Four years in communications within an organization and/or business.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic workload alignment and ensure compliance with agency priorities and labor agreements.
• Lead internal communications strategies for DHS employees, leaders and programs.
• Oversee Communications Office strategy and execution for complex projects and high-priority initiatives.
• Provide expert leadership for initiatives requiring rapid coordination and cross-team execution.
• Ensure communications work is triaged, tracked, and completed aligned with standards.
• Manage systems and routines to respond effectively to leadership requests and sensitive issues.
• Lead planning and continuous improvement to strengthen the Communications Office.
• Demonstrate leadership across five competency themes: Leading Self, Others, the Organization, Outside, and Getting Work Done.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership program

Committee leadership

Public relations

Media relations

Education

Leadership program (e.g., ELI, L4)

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

• Job ID: 96722
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/01/2026
• Closing Date: 09/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / Program Area Communications
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $41.81 - $60.10 / hourly; $87,299 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Drive strategic workload alignment, maximize operational capacity, control unit workflow, and ensure absolute compliance with agency priorities, labor agreements, and state administrative frameworks.
• Lead internal communications strategies that help DHS employees, leaders and program areas understand agency priorities, operational updates, policy changes, emerging issues and major initiatives.
• Lead Communications Office strategy, coordination and execution for complex projects, internal communications and high-priority agency initiatives.
• Provide expert communications leadership for initiatives requiring rapid coordination, strategic judgment, message development, operational awareness and cross-team execution.
• Ensure communications work is triaged, assigned, tracked, reviewed and completed in a way that supports agency priorities and Communications Office standards.
• Manage the systems and routines that allow the office to respond effectively to planned communications, urgent leadership requests, complex projects and sensitive or high-visibility issues.
• Lead operational planning, communications systems improvement and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen the Communications Office’s ability to respond to complex projects and agency priorities.
• All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the five (5) competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:
• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - Experience must include:
• 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment

AND

Four (4) years of experience providing or consulting in the communications field across an organization and/or business.

Experience must also demonstrate:

• Expertise and substantial experience in the public relations or communications fields and in the principles and practices of journalism.
• Solid knowledge of media relations, social media, web communications, print media and communications campaigns to lead colleagues and external partners on communications.
• Experience creating communications strategies to address controversial internal and external issues, highlight key services and issues, and build support for communication proposals.
• Experience in assessing communications’ implications and risks of sensitive and visible issues and ability to advise leadership appropriately.
• Strong skills to research, plan, develop, manage and lead public awareness campaigns.
• Experience in planning, project management and problem-solving to address communications needs and resolve communications issues.
• Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to hold team members accountable for their work product and meeting established goals.
• Ability to identify internal and external pressures/roadblocks that impact or may impact the work of the agency and navigate them effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the program, projects and current operations to best support children and families statewide.
• Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.
• Knowledge of privacy and government data practices laws.
• Familiarity with government communications policies.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others and/or compel change throughout an organization.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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

Benefits

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on 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.