New Job Communications & Engagement Coordinator ~ Planner Principal State In Minnesota

Working Title: Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Environmental Quality Board

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/30/2023
• Closing Date: 06/20/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Environmental Quality Brd Unit
• Work Shift: Day shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time
• Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,094 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• This position offers a hybrid telework schedule of two days in the office every week with the option of full-time telework after a successful probationary period.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position exists to develop and implement communication strategies and public engagement approaches to support the work of the Environmental Quality Board. This position develops communications for all aspects of the EQB’s work, including managing messaging for multiple audiences (public, partners, legislators, and the media) and platforms (email, social, web content, press releases). The incumbent works directly with the EQB chair, Executive Director, and staff to design and implement communication strategies for the EQB that support the Board’s priorities.

This position is also responsible for coordinating EQB public engagement activities, both online/virtual and in person. These activities will align with and support EQB’s strategic goals as well as state government goals related to public engagement; equity, diversity, and inclusion; and meaningful involvement. This position provides project management to ensure that all facets of public engagement—content, tools, communications, and reporting—work together and lead to meaningful engagement outcomes and stewards engagement activities through design, implementation, reporting, and follow-up phases. The incumbent will also plan reoccurring and one-time public events such as off-site Board meetings, targeted stakeholder meetings, and the Environmental Congress. In addition, the incumbent will provide project support to other EQB projects and interagency initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years advanced professional experience in the planning, implementation, and administration in an environmental regulatory or assistance program. (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Planner Senior State, Environmental Specialist 3, State Program Administrator Senior or equivalent level work).

Experience with state agency and/or local government organizations and operations regarding environmental programs and policies sufficient to provide effective communications to state and local agencies, businesses, environmental interest groups and the public.

Ability to understand the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Environmental Review Program requirements.

Demonstrated skills in writing, editing and organizing materials.

Ability to prepare and present technical presentations that are understandable by the general public and local government officials in order to provide potential clients with working knowledge of the state's environmental review process.

Strong writing and public speaking skills in order to communicate with a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in or knowledge of federal and state policies and guidance regarding environmental review or cross-agency issues (climate, water).

Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with representatives of government entities (Federal, State, Tribal, regional and local), the private sector, members of the public, and internal staff.

Demonstrated ability to manage controversial issues and topics and clearly state Agency’s position with stakeholders.

Ability to critically review and synthesize information into comprehensive reports, factsheets, and presentations.

Ability to develop and implement complex work plans; manage and prioritize multiple assignments; independently complete assignments in a timely manner; and effectively lead, mentor and serve as a team member.

Ability to develop ideas and present recommendations effectively.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check.

Requires a Class D driver´s License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Kristi Streff at [email protected] or 651-757-2122.

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 Kristi Streff at [email protected].

About the Environmental Quality Board

The Environmental Quality Board is made up of 9 agency heads and 8 citizen members. In addition to other duties, we provide leadership and coordination across agencies on priority environmental issues that are multi-jurisdictional and multi-dimensional as well as providing opportunities for public access and engagement.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.