Job Information
State of Minnesota Communications Manager 1 - External Relations Director in St. Paul, Minnesota
Working Title: External Relations Director
Job Class: Communications Manager 1
Agency: Explore Minnesota
Job ID : 93540
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50% telework
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/16/2026
Closing Date : 05/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Explore Minnesota / Explore Minnesota Tourism - Managers
Division/Unit : Explore Minnesota Tourism / Tourism Exec Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $44.03 - $63.35 / hourly; $91,934 - $132,274 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
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.
The External Relations Director oversees all communications, media relations, and legislative relations, providing managerial and strategic leadership for Explore MN (EMN’s) internal and external communications programs. The position will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating administrative-level communications strategies that directly impact the agency’s public reputation, legislative relationships, executive leadership priorities, and internal engagement. This position will require independent judgment in directing local and natiional communications strategy, supervising professional staff, managing crisis response, coordinating efforts with the Governor’s Office, and advising executive leadership. The incumbent is expected to develop strategic communication plans surrounding complex and novel issues that arise and will be readily available to respond during non-traditional hours. This position is the primary communications leader for EMN and provides strategic direction to EMN’s leadership team.
This position manages high-level complex public information and public relations campaigns and projects, creates talking points, press releases, blogs, op-eds, and other communication materials for the Executive Director and agency leadership. Additionally, the incumbent will develop the agency's strategic communications strategy – integrating external and internal communications, marketing, industry relations, and visual communications across all departments within EMN.
This position also oversees the Government Relations Director (GRD) and is expected to work in collaboration with the GRD and Executive Director to develop plans and provide guidance on legislative relations, particularly regarding agency reputation and relationships with policymakers.
Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
Direct and manage the agency’s external relations including media relations and crisis communications by developing strategies and overseeing formal processes for the agency for public messaging, press releases, media events, reports, and proactive and reactive strategies.
Direct and manage the agency’s integrated communications strategy, ensuring all department messaging is consistent, accurate and aligned with agency priorities.
Direct and manage our public relations agency of record.
Lead government and industry related communications programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
To receive credit for your education and experience, please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the dates that include the month day 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.
Five (5) years of experience in advanced communications, public relations, or public affairs.
*Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or another closely related fields may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Demonstrated experience in leadership, interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Strong strategic thinking and ability to anticipate communications risks and opportunities, public speaking and writing skills.
Experience managing crisis communications, rapid-response situations, and other high-visibility or high-stakes public information efforts.
Experience coordinating and integrating external and internal communications, including marketing, social media, and visual communication strategies
AND
Ability to exercise independent judgment in high-pressure, high-visibility situations.
Minimum three (3) years of experience managing a team of communications staff.
Experience cultivating and growing relationships with media/press and industry stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Seven (7) years of experience in advanced communications, public relations, or public affairs.
Experience leading executive communications in a public-sector, corporation, or large nonprofit organization.
Experience advising or coordinating with Governor’s Offices, legislative, or other high-level government partners.
Experience directing or contributing to organization-wide strategic planning.
Experience acting as an organizational or official spokesperson.
Experience in proactive and crisis communications.
Knowledge of travel marketing and media and tourism sector.
Knowledge of MN State governmentpolicies, procedures, processes,laws and rules.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will also demonstrate a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.
A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.
When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
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.