Director of Public Relations

Versique Executive, Professional & Interim Recruiting; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

401k match

Maternity/paternity leave

Short-term/long-term disability

Continued education and training

Job summary

Versique Executive, Professional & Interim Recruiting is seeking a public relations lead in Minneapolis, MN with a hybrid work environment. This role involves strategizing and executing impactful public relations and community engagement campaigns across various sectors.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public relations, client management, and communications with exceptional written skills. The position emphasizes collaborative strategic thinking and execution, along with commitment to inclusivity across diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Strong background in public relations, public affairs, or related fields.
• Proven experience in managing client relationships in fast-paced environments.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong media relations experience, including pitching and managing sensitive issues.
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder communications.
• Ability to balance strategic advisory work with hands-on execution.
• Experience with government, nonprofit, or corporate clients preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to inclusive communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of public relations and community engagement strategies.
• Serve as primary client lead across multiple accounts.
• Guide internal account teams and coordinate workstreams.
• Translate complex information into clear messaging.
• Develop and oversee media relations strategy and pitching.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements.
• Support community engagement efforts.
• Advise clients on crisis and issue communications.

Skills

Public relations expertise

Client relationship management

Writing and editing skills

Media relations experience

Community engagement experience

Strategic advisory skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking abilities

Commitment to inclusivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

This role leads the strategy and execution of high-impact public relations, public affairs, and community engagement campaigns for government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. The position serves as a senior client lead and trusted advisor, helping organizations navigate complex communications challenges, build public trust, and deliver clear, compelling messaging across audiences and channels.

This is a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, service, and high-quality execution.

Worksite Location

Minneapolis, MN with a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Includes medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k match, maternity/paternity leave program, short-term/long-term disability, continued education, and training

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of integrated public relations and community engagement strategies, including messaging, media relations, public affairs, and reputation management
• Serve as a primary client lead across multiple accounts, building trusted relationships and ensuring strong communication, responsiveness, and delivery of high-quality work
• Guide internal account teams and coordinate workstreams across multiple clients, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and deliverables stay on track
• Translate complex policy, technical, and organizational information into clear, compelling messaging for public audiences
• Develop and oversee proactive and reactive media relations strategy, including messaging, pitching, and narrative development
• Prepare spokespeople and provide hands‑on support for media interviews, press events, and public engagements
• Support and execute community engagement and public participation initiatives, including public meetings, open houses, and stakeholder engagement efforts
• Ensure inclusive and accessible communication strategies that reach diverse audiences and communities
• Advise clients on crisis and issue communications, including development of messaging, response plans, and real‑time communications support

Qualifications

• Strong background in public relations, public affairs, communications, journalism, or related field
• Proven experience managing client relationships and leading communications initiatives in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across platforms and audiences
• Strong media relations experience, including pitching, responding to inquiries, and managing sensitive or high‑visibility issues
• Experience supporting or leading community engagement, public participation, or stakeholder communications efforts
• Ability to balance strategic advisory work with hands‑on execution
• Experience working with or alongside government, nonprofit, or corporate clients (agency experience strongly preferred)
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, professional, and solutions‑oriented approach
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Commitment to inclusive communication and building trust across diverse audiences

Versique is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.