Public Information Officer - Communications Specialist 3

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Public sector benefits

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Cannabis Management Office seeks a Public Information Officer in St. Paul.

This role provides high-level communications strategy, serves as a spokesperson, writes and edits content for multiple channels, and collaborates with leadership to shape media initiatives. The position requires three years in strategic communications, a relevant bachelor's degree (or substitution), and willingness to travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations or journalism.
• A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans that align with organizational goals and effectively reach target audiences.
• Experience producing clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences, including translating complex, technical, or regulatory information for public-facing materials such as newsletters, websites, reports, fact sheets or presentations.
• Experience working with members of the news media and acting as an organization's spokesperson.
• Experience organizing press conferences or other media-related events.
• Experience working with website content management systems to update and maintain engaging and relevant information for the public.
• Ability to travel in-state for media and community engagement events hosted by or attend by the office (up to 10%).

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and maintain positive relationships with internal and external audiences and key stakeholder groups
• Plan and implement public information actions so the office's constituents and audiences are proactively advised of OCM activities, educational events, emergencies, and other events.
• Respond to requests for public information and prepare OCM staff for media interviews.
• Provide communications counsel and support for legislative efforts.
• Effectively and professionally represent the agency at public meetings and events on cannabis issues.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Journalism

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing or relevant field

Tools

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Media interviews

Press conferences

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Job ID: 97903
• 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: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Cannabis Management Office
• Division/Unit: Cannabis Management Office-OCM / Communications Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10%
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional.
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Public Information Officer

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

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 Public Information Officer (PIO) provides high-level communications strategy consultation and advice, as well as day-to-day coordination of various communications activities for the office. The position assists the Communications Director in the composition and administration of external media relations for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), serving as a spokesperson when appropriate. The PIO is responsible for writing, developing and editing compelling content for use and distribution across the office's various publications and channels. This position works closely with OCM leadership to strategically develop and execute communications activities, and media initiatives.

This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two days per week and is required to be in the office three days per week.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and maintain positive relationships with internal and external audiences and key stakeholder groups
• Plan and implement public information actions so the office's constituents and audiences are proactively advised of OCM activities, educational events, emergencies, and other events.
• Respond to requests for public information and prepare OCM staff for media interviews.
• Provide communications counsel and support for legislative efforts.
• Effectively and professionally represent the agency at public meetings and events on cannabis issues.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Three (3) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations or journalism. A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience must clearly demonstrate the following:

• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans that align with organizational goals and effectively reach target audiences.
• Experience producing clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences, including translating complex, technical, or regulatory information for public-facing materials such as newsletters, websites, reports, fact sheets or presentations.
• Experience working with members of the news media and acting as an organization's spokesperson.
• Experience organizing press conferences or other media-related events.
• Experience working with website content management systems to update and maintain engaging and relevant information for the public.
• Ability to travel in-state for media and community engagement events hosted by or attend by the office (up to 10%).

In addition, applicants must submit a one-page cover letter to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, public relations or other relevant field.
• Experience working in in a regulated industry or knowledge of Minnesota cannabis laws, regulations, and policies.
• Bilingual in English and another language relevant to prominent Minnesota communities such as Spanish, Hmong, or Somali.
• Knowledge of plain language standards and demonstrated ability to apply them in written communications to improve clarity and accessibility.
• Experience applying Americans with Disabilities Act Title II standards and requirements, the Minnesota Government and Data Practices Act, and digital accessibility tools.
• Experience applying equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility principles to develop culturally responsive messaging.

Additional Requirements

Please include a one-page cover letter.

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 review
• Criminal background check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeannette Wakefield at [e-mail] or 651-539-5001.

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 Jeannette Wakefield at [e-mail].

The Office of Cannabis Management supports our Veterans in job employment. If invited to interview, recently separated veterans will be required to present their DD-214 to the hiring agency for verification.

About Cannabis Management Office

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is the primary regulatory office for the state's new and expanding cannabis industry (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products). OCM is tasked with issuing business licenses, providing education and technical support to new businesses, administering

grants to support community reinvestment and to organizations that will help farmers navigate the new industry and overseeing all aspects of Minnesota's cannabis industry. Join our team

and become a part of OCM's mission to foster an equitable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer confidence, and market integrity.

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

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.