Internal Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Internal Communications Specialist

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 93727

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/22/2026

• Closing Date : 04/28/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Employment and Economic Development Department - Confidential

• Division/Unit : Human Resources

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives on translating complex policy into clear, actionable messaging? Do you enjoy shaping how organizations communicate through change and helping employees understand what matters most?

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking an Internal Communications Specialist to strengthen agency-wide Human Resources (HR) communications and improve clarity, consistency, and adoption of workforce initiatives. This role plays a critical part in helping employees stay informed, supported, and prepared for organizational change.

This is not a social media or marketing role. It is a strategic internal communications position focused on human resources programs, workforce policy, and organizational change that affects employees and leaders across the agency.

As the Internal Communications Specialist, you will serve as a strategic partner to HR leadership, shaping communication approaches from planning through execution. You will help ensure employees understand workforce policies, organizational changes, and the "why" behind key decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Advisory

• Develop and implement communication plans for major HR initiatives affecting all agency employees.

• Advise HR leadership on communication sequencing, tone, audience impact, and risk considerations.

• Provide guidance on how communication supports change management and employee trust.

Content Development and Editorial Support

• Draft and edit agency-wide internal messaging related to workforce changes, policy updates, and compliance requirements.

• Translate complex HR policies and technical content into clear, plain-language communications.

• Review and refine content drafted by HR subject matter experts to promote clarity, alignment, and consistency.

Leadership and Alignment

• Draft talking points and leader messaging to ensure consistent communication across divisions.

• Partner with the agency Communications Office to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and communication best practices.

Digital and Intranet Modernization

• Contribute to modernization of HR digital content, including intranet pages, employee resources, and other internal platforms.

• Help improve the usability, clarity, and accessibility of HR information across digital channels.

We are seeking someone who:

• Anticipates how messaging will land with different audiences and adjusts accordingly.

• Is comfortable drafting messaging for senior leaders and advising them on communication strategy.

• Understands how communication supports change management, employee trust, and organizational culture.

• Has strong editorial instincts, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to clarity.

• Balances transparency with organizational sensitivity when addressing complex or sensitive workforce matters.

• Exercises sound judgment and maintains discretion in handling confidential or high-impact topics.

• Influences without authority and collaborates effectively across teams and disciplines.

If you are energized by helping organizations communicate clearly during times of change - and take pride in precision, clarity, and strategic thinking - we encourage you to apply.

This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position requires very occasional travel that may be necessary beyond the standard on-site requirement.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed 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.

Three (3) years* of experience in developing and implementing internal communication strategies and supporting complex organizational communications.

*Associate's degree in Communications, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute six (6) months of experience; bachelor's degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience developing communication plans for organizational initiatives or workforce programs.

• Experience drafting and editing complex written materials for broad internal audiences.

• Experience translating technical, policy, or regulatory information into clear, plain language messaging.

• Editing and proofreading skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience collaborating with leadership or subject matter experts to develop or refine communications.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain discretion when handling sensitive workforce or organizational matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting internal communications within a government, public sector, unionized, or highly regulated environment.

• Experience developing communication strategies related to organizational change (e.g., policy rollouts, workforce restructuring, system implementation, compliance initiatives).

• Experience drafting messaging, talking points, or communication toolkits for senior leaders or executive audiences.

• Knowledge of change management principles, communication sequencing, and audience-impact considerations.

• Experience conducting content audits and modernizing intranet or digital resource sites (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint).

• Knowledge of accessibility standards, plain language best practices, and inclusive communication principles.

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Driver's License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.