Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Communications Director - Communications Manager 1
Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Overview
Working Title:
Communications Director
Job Class:
Communications Manager 1
Agency:
Human Rights Dept
Job ID: 89451
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: 10/08/2025
Closing Date: 10/28/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-Managerial
Division/Unit: Leadership/Cont Improvement
Work Shift/Work Hours: Days
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
About the Role The work you will do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees help develop policies, provide essential services, and improve the well-being and quality of life for Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion and invests in employees with benefits, support resources, and development opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) envisions a world where everyone can live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination. As the Communications Director, you will lead the development and execution of strategic communications, public relations, and marketing efforts to advance this vision. You will serve as an agency leader, building relationships across divisions, translating complex work into clear messages, and guiding internal and public communication. Success will require emotional intelligence, an asset-based storytelling approach, and a focus on protecting Minnesota’s civil rights law and advancing a state free from discrimination.
Hybrid Work Environment This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. Onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management. A telework agreement is required. Review the Telework Policy for details.
Minimum Qualifications A cover letter is required as part of your application. Please highlight your relevant experience, your interest in MDHR, and your approach to communications.
Four (4) years of experience in communications or public relations demonstrating leadership in strategy development, messaging, and media relations.
Leadership experience can include supervision, lead worker, team lead, project lead, or formal leadership programs. A bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An advanced degree in these fields may substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of experience.
Responsibilities and Evaluation Candidates meeting the above qualifications will be evaluated on:
Knowledge of communications planning, media relations, and crisis communications principles
Writing, editing, and verbal communication skills to translate technical and culturally sensitive information into clear content across media channels
Ability to build and maintain relationships with media, legislators, and/or attorneys with awareness of political dynamics
Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to motivate others and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership
Alignment with the Department’s vision, mission, and values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
Experience leading communications for a government agency, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization
Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and managing high-profile or crisis communications
Experience advising executives or senior leaders on communications strategies and message development
Experience directing, motivating, and evaluating staff as a direct supervisor or manager
Knowledge of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, civil rights laws, or related legal and policy frameworks
Knowledge or experience with State accessibility standards
Proficiency with communications tools and platforms, including CMS, analytics tools, and social media management
Additional Requirements Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.
How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us. For additional information, visit http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Fenlon at jessica.fenlon@state.mn.us or 651-201-2492. For Connect 700 Program eligibility, apply online, email the Job ID, Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate to Jessica Fenlon by the closing date.
About Human Rights Dept The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We uphold the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and are committed to an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination and disparities. Learn more at www.mn.gov/mdhr.
Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodation Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity employers. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us.
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Communications Director
Job Class:
Communications Manager 1
Agency:
Human Rights Dept
Job ID: 89451
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: 10/08/2025
Closing Date: 10/28/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-Managerial
Division/Unit: Leadership/Cont Improvement
Work Shift/Work Hours: Days
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
About the Role The work you will do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees help develop policies, provide essential services, and improve the well-being and quality of life for Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion and invests in employees with benefits, support resources, and development opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) envisions a world where everyone can live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination. As the Communications Director, you will lead the development and execution of strategic communications, public relations, and marketing efforts to advance this vision. You will serve as an agency leader, building relationships across divisions, translating complex work into clear messages, and guiding internal and public communication. Success will require emotional intelligence, an asset-based storytelling approach, and a focus on protecting Minnesota’s civil rights law and advancing a state free from discrimination.
Hybrid Work Environment This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. Onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management. A telework agreement is required. Review the Telework Policy for details.
Minimum Qualifications A cover letter is required as part of your application. Please highlight your relevant experience, your interest in MDHR, and your approach to communications.
Four (4) years of experience in communications or public relations demonstrating leadership in strategy development, messaging, and media relations.
Leadership experience can include supervision, lead worker, team lead, project lead, or formal leadership programs. A bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An advanced degree in these fields may substitute for up to eighteen (18) months of experience.
Responsibilities and Evaluation Candidates meeting the above qualifications will be evaluated on:
Knowledge of communications planning, media relations, and crisis communications principles
Writing, editing, and verbal communication skills to translate technical and culturally sensitive information into clear content across media channels
Ability to build and maintain relationships with media, legislators, and/or attorneys with awareness of political dynamics
Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to motivate others and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership
Alignment with the Department’s vision, mission, and values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
Experience leading communications for a government agency, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization
Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and managing high-profile or crisis communications
Experience advising executives or senior leaders on communications strategies and message development
Experience directing, motivating, and evaluating staff as a direct supervisor or manager
Knowledge of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, civil rights laws, or related legal and policy frameworks
Knowledge or experience with State accessibility standards
Proficiency with communications tools and platforms, including CMS, analytics tools, and social media management
Additional Requirements Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment. A written assessment or work sample may be part of the interview process.
How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us. For additional information, visit http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Fenlon at jessica.fenlon@state.mn.us or 651-201-2492. For Connect 700 Program eligibility, apply online, email the Job ID, Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate to Jessica Fenlon by the closing date.
About Human Rights Dept The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We uphold the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and are committed to an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination and disparities. Learn more at www.mn.gov/mdhr.
Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodation Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity employers. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr