PRESS SECRETARY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

EDUCATION MINNESOTA
POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Press Secretary/Public Affairs Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Public Affairs Department
LOCATION: St. Paul Office
EMPLOYEE GROUP: Professional Staff
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Public Affairs Director

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Provide strategic counsel and tactical delivery of internal and external communications that achieve strategic objectives and position Education Minnesota as a key statewide source on education-related issues and subjects.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as lead for Education Minnesota’s media relations initiatives.

• Provide strategic communications and message development counsel to Education Minnesota state and local leaders and staff on various projects and issues.

• Develop, organize and execute statewide, regional and local news media campaigns that achieve strategic organizational objectives.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with reporters in Minnesota media markets.

• Conceptualize,  research, write, edit, proof and coordinate distribution of news releases and other media information to support organization objectives.

• Plan, coordinate and manage Education Minnesota’s booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

• Research and write speeches for Education Minnesota officers and other key leaders.

• Provide back-up support to other Education Minnesota public affairs professionals.

• Plan and present communications-related training.

• Provide work direction for assigned support staff.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CONTACTS:

News media                                                      State and community leaders
Education Minnesota leaders and members    Government agencies
AFT, NEA and Education Minnesota staff         Vendors
General public                                                 

MACHINES AND/OR TOOLS OPERATED:

Personal computer                                            35-mm camera
Windows-based software                                  Video camera and editing equipment
Internet and Web-enabled services                   FAX and copy machines
PDA devices

                                   
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Various management/department activities

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA Degree – Journalism, English or Communications preferred
• Minimum of five years combined experience in media relations and/or as a journalist.
• Front-line media relations experience and demonstrated ability to work with reporters
• Experience training executive level staff in media interview techniques.
• Ability to translate organizational objectives into news.
• Ability to think both strategically and creatively to solve problems
• Strong writer with ability to make complex topics understandable and interesting to the average person
• Exceptional editor and proofreader, working knowledge of Associated Press style preferred
• Understanding of education issues and legislative process strongly desired
• Ability to perform and work well under deadlines/pressures
• Strong project management skills, including creation of project plans.
• Knowledge of photography and video editing skills desired.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the cause of employee unions desired
• Experience with member-driven organizations desired
• Experience developing advertising campaigns and major events highly preferred.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.  Some travel required.

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skills in critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, judgment, human relations, leadership, consulting, writing, planning, and organization; use of clear and articulate speech; use of computer keyboard, ability to travel by various conveyances, e.g., air, rail, auto; sitting for long periods of time, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, carrying materials (up to 5 lbs and occasionally up to 25 lbs).

DEADLINE:   Open until filled. For best consideration submit cover letter and résumé by October 30, 2009.

Direct all inquiries, applications, and résumés to:

EDUCATION MINNESOTA
Human Resources
41 Sherburne Avenue
St. Paul, MN  55103

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.