Principal Communications Specialist

The Child Protection unit of the Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD) is seeking a Principal Communications Specialist. This position will engage in public relations consulting, news and media relations, strategic and crisis communication consulting, internal and external messaging, providing updates to the County Board, online communications, social media, and creating strategic planning documents.

HSPHD is seeking a professional with exceptional writing skills in the public sector, government, and/or human services. This position performs complex work at an expert level, providing public image management and communication strategy assistance.

HSPHD requires its employees to be focused on results for clients and customers, with opportunities for flexibility and an emphasis on work/life balance.

The mission of HSPHD is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by increasing safety and stability, promoting self-reliance and livable income, and improving the health of our communities.

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include:

Provide effective strategic communication and public relations consulting and services to county officials, staff, and departments.

Write and edit content for publication in all media channels.

Help lead the county’s communication strategy by applying best practices (i.e., usability, plain language, and branding).

Develop and implement the county’s overall public outreach to significant audiences through the development of written and multimedia communications.

Provide expert communication responses in emergencies, in collaboration with other agencies.

Work effectively with staff at various levels throughout the organization.

Best Qualified Candidates will have:One of the following:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism, English, communications, mass communications, marketing, media studies, graphic design, photojournalism, telecommunications, visual communications, public administration or a closely-related field and three years or more of related professional experience.

Two years of college and five years or more of related professional experience.

Note: Experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience:
Working in the public sector, government, and/or human services.

Developing and executing communication plans involving earned and paid media.

Writing news and feature stories.

Editing content.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within all levels of the organization including a proven track record of excellent leadership skills.

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple assignments and tasks.

Strong collaborative skills and the ability to communicate effectively with subject-matter experts, writers, editors, designers, photographers, and videographers.

Ability to:
Work well under the pressure of deadlines, sometimes outside regular hours.

Synthesize large amounts of information into manageable, well-written content.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to bring work samples and complete a background check.

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.

If you need assistance to actively participate in the employment process, please email us at HR.ServiceCenter@hennepin.us or call us at 612.348.7855.

Hennepin County provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance or national origin. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Human Resources Department, A-400 Government Center, Minneapolis, MN 55487, 612.348.7855