Working Title: Assistant Communications Director
Job Class: Communications Supervisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
- Job ID: 97233
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes - Please note this position is telework eligible and required to work in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month.
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 09/24/2026
- Closing Date: 10/07/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Veterans Affairs Dept / Veterans Affairs-MMA
- Division/Unit: Department of Veterans Affairs / Public Relations & Comm
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- 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 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 will support the communications needs of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) by providing counsel and project execution for internal clients as well as supervise the day-to-day work and long-term strategic communications planning and implementation for MDVA earned media (media relations), internal communications and administrative support.
The incumbent will lead proactive and reactive media relations, serving as primary spokesperson for the agency. The incumbent will also provide guidance to and partner with MDVA colleagues and Communications team members on the development and execution of a strategic internal communications infrastructure and plan, and management of agency receptionist/team administrative functions. This position will serve as the back up to Communication Director.
Please see a message from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Brad Lindsay. Select Link
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below, and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years of communications and public relations experience which demonstrates the following:
- Developing and implementing strategic communications plans including media relations and internal communications.
- Creating and publishing communications tactics such as key messages, talking points, news releases, e-mails, newsletter articles, social posts and website content
- Advising and supporting leaders in preparation of scripts, speeches, presentations and press conferences
- Copy writing, editing and proofreading skills are sufficient to create digital, print or video communications
AND
- Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker or project lead
- Ability to hold difficult conversations and resolve conflicts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or related field
- Knowledge of Minnesota media contacts
- Experience in crisis communications such as guiding a leadership team on the communications response to a crisis and /or drafting and executing a communications plan for the crisis.
Additional Requirements
- Employment reference checks will be conducted on finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Lacey Konkel at lacey.konkel@state.mn.us or 952-378-5519.
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 Lacey Konkel at lacey.konkel@state.mn.us.
Per M.S. 43A.111, MDVA will give priority consideration to certain qualified disabled Veterans. To be considered, you must be included on a US armed forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one-year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD214, and the job posting ID number to Lacey Konkel at lacey.konkel@state.mn.us no later than the job posting closing date.
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
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
