Position DescriptionThis position assists the Minneapolis Health Department's Communications Manager with providing input and assisting in implementing web-based designs, provides support for web content management and collaboration tools used within the City, web content creation, and communication planning and implementation, in collaboration with Health Department colleagues. The position works collaboratively with Health Department leadership and staff to promote the work of the department and to communicate public health messaging to multiple audiences in culturally and linguistic appropriate ways. This position assists the Communications Manager with various communication needs and increases the capacity of department staff to improve both internal and external communication within the department, media, and other department stakeholders.
On an on-going basis, the Communications Specialist works with Health Department staff, City Communications and IT staff and communications staff from community organizations and other county or state agencies. The position is responsible for maintaining positive working relationships with a variety of governmental, nonprofit and community-based partners.
The position does not supervise staff. May oversee the work of an Intern as needed.
This position is a grant-funded position and is contingent on the availability of funds. The position would be grant-funded for 3 years. Work Location: This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.
Job Duties and Responsibilities• Lead the Health Department web team
• Implement and develop web-based designs
• Collaborate with Health Department staff on web updates
• Assist in website and web page content development
• Provide day-to-day web content updates as requested by Health Department staff
• Create wireframes, storyboards and interactive prototypes for solution design, evaluation and usability testing
• Assist with internal and external department newsletter content creation and distribution
• Collaborate with Health Department Staff, City Communications and Enterprise web team to leverage the website for a marketing and communications tool
• Assist with social media content development, campaigns and postings
• Develop and carry out communication strategies to promote effective communication regarding core health department initiatives, services, and programs.
• As needed research, write, edit, and produce brochures, social media posts, videos, flyers, graphics and web items to inform various audiences, including residents, neighborhood groups, and elected officials.
• Enhance internal communications through e-newsletters and other means. Participate in communication-related training for health department staff to increase staff competency to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Provide communications support for public health or other city emergencies.
Required QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Broadcasting or Bachelor's Degree in English - Professional Writing, Web Design and Implementation, Digital Communications or related degree
Experience: One year experience in public relations, public affairs or major media with an emphasis on web page content development
Desiredexperience: • One or more years of experience, implementing communications projects and successfully reaching of racially and culturally diverse audiences.
• Prior writing and editing experience.
• Prior experience working in a public health environment.
• Prior web experience placing and building content.
Required Attachments:
Resume and Cover Letter is required to be considered for this position.
Desired Attachment:Writing Sample - Newsletter, social media, web content, or web pages you have developed.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Selection ProcessThe selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Background CheckThe City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Union RepresentationThis position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA)
(Download PDF reader) .
Eligible List StatementThe names of applicants who meet the minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire 6 months after it has been established.
Interview SelectionThe hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities• Ability to present information and ideas accurately, effectively, and concisely. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Past experience developing and implementing communication plans in a governmental or non-profit environment
• Past experience effectively communicating with linguistically and racially diverse urban audiences.
• Experience in and ability to work in a collaborative environment, particularly with department and City of Minneapolis staff, community stakeholders and state and county governments.
• Ability to work in an environment that requires flexibility, responsiveness, and multi-tasking.
• Knowledge of modern office computer software and of desktop publication software.
• Ability to work with a variety of software tools, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva and Photoshop. Video production and digital media skills (especially social media expertise), including updating websites are also needed.
• Knowledge of digital multi-media development, including websites and user interfaces, Digital graphics, graphic design and digital color theory, digital audio and video, and mobile apps
• Knowledge of Digital user interface requirements, gathering and design tools and techniques, including field observation/user profiles, use case/scenario development, wire frames/storyboarding, prototyping, and usability Testing
• Knowledge of technology and coding languages, including multimedia development software, Adobe Captivate, Photoshop, HTML5, CSS, Javascript, and JQuery
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of project management
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
Benefits SummaryOur employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page .
New 12 weeks of paid parental leaveCity employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
InsuranceHealth insuranceEligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insuranceThe City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
BenefitsPaid time offOur generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .
RetirementCity employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.
- Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
- Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
TransportationEligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:
- Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
- Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
Learning and developmentTo engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perksEmployees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.
Closing Date/Time: 10/13/2024 11:59 PM Central
