JOB SUMMARY

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Media Unit Supervisor at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position serves as the centralized media relations expert for the agency, providing consultation in the areas of media strategy and planning, message development, media relations and development of video products across all seven divisions and four regions. They will supervise the day-to-day work and long-term strategic communications planning and implementation for the Media Unit in the Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO). The incumbent will lead the agency-wide approach to proactive media outreach activities. The incumbent will have daily interactions with TV, radio, and print media and be responsible for timely and appropriate responses to inquiries to prevent reputational risks to the agency. The incumbent will help the agency achieve its natural resource goals by coordinating development and execution of a comprehensive proactive and reactive media strategy under the direction of the assistant communications director and the communications director.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise Media Unit staff in accordance with labor agreements and M.S. 179A.03 and ensure that staff effectively perform assigned job duties.
• Provide strategic direction, oversight, development and implementation for agency media relations.
• Leverage proactive and reactive media opportunities and create news media products, which are distributed to and widely used by print, broadcast and web-based media.
• Lead efforts to best create and respond to media opportunities for the DNR; build and maintain positive working relationships with media.
• Serve as a DNR media spokesperson when assigned.
• Identify and forge relationships with diverse media outlets to increase the reach of DNR information and stories to target audiences.
• Supervise the planning and production of video products. The incumbent will develop and maintain a video calendar/work plan that recognizes the increasing importance and value of video communications in media relations and across DNR’s communications channels.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which is subject to change. If approved the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will be required to report to the primary work location (Saint Paul, MN) 3 - 4 days per week during the probationary period.
After successful completion of the probationary period, the incumbent will be required to report to the primary work location (Saint Paul, MN) at least 50% of the time. This position requires occasional in-state, same-day, and overnight travel to DNR events (Governor’s Opener events, Commissioner level events, Minnesota State Fair, etc.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four (4) years of professional experience in communications and news media (print or broadcast media) with demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and media relations sufficient to serve as a spokesperson on issues, develop working relationships with the media, foresee potential media issues, and advise management and staff on media relations strategies.
• A bachelors degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Supervisory experience sufficient to interview and select staff, assign, schedule, direct, train, evaluate work performance, and discipline reporting program staff.
• Knowledge of communications planning and strategies sufficient to survey the communications environment, develop goals and objectives, develop effective messaging, define target audiences, select appropriate strategies, incorporate feedback mechanisms, and evaluate the effectiveness of communications plans over time.
• Working knowledge of news media sufficient to ensure effective media relations efforts by the media unit.
• Knowledge of video production practices sufficient to oversee and guide the efforts of professional videographers.
• Skills in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating sufficient to implement objectives with tight deadlines and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Media relations skills sufficient to build and maintain quality working relationships with reporters and editors and serve as the agency’s media spokesperson.
• Communication skills sufficient to build support for communications proposals and strategies.
• Skills in writing and editing, including knowledge of AP style, sufficient to write and edit for a variety of print and digital publications, review and approve the work of others, and produce communication materials for dissemination to broad audiences.
• Skills in video production sufficient to utilize appropriate hardware and software.
• Ability to identify and negotiate differences between individuals and groups.
• Ability to define the parameters of a problem, identify methods for implementing solutions, and take actions for resolution.
• Ability to interpret and apply related policies, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations sufficient to ensure compliance across the agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelors degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in public relations related to media relations and management of high-profile issues.
• Demonstrated experience with media relations reporting and use of key metrics to guide future communications strategies.
• Knowledge of local and statewide media sufficient to build on the strength of existing relationships to promote coverage of DNR topics.
• Demonstrated leadership skills sufficient to effectively lead individuals and across collaborative teams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
This position requires occasional in-state, same-day, and overnight travel to DNR events (Governor’s Opener events, Commissioner level events, Minnesota State Fair, etc.)
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

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

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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise Media Unit staff in accordance with labor agreements and M.S. 179A.03 and ensure that staff effectively perform assigned job duties.
• Provide strategic direction, oversight, development and implementation for agency media relations.
• Leverage proactive and reactive media opportunities and create news media products, which are distributed to and widely used by print, broadcast and web-based media.
• Lead efforts to best create and respond to media opportunities for the DNR; build and maintain positive working relationships with media.
• Serve as a DNR media spokesperson when assigned.
• Identify and forge relationships with diverse media outlets to increase the reach of DNR information and stories to target audiences.
• Supervise the planning and production of video products. The incumbent will develop and maintain a video calendar/work plan that recognizes the increasing importance and value of video communications in media relations and across DNR’s communications channels