Director of Public Affairs

St Paul, MN, USA
Posted on  

Job Description

Director of Public Affairs

Minnesota Judicial Branch


Saint Paul, MN

$91,976 - $142,569 a year

The State Court Administrator's Office is pleased to announce an opening for Director of Public Affairs. This is a highly responsible position charged with directing the activities of the Minnesota Judicial Branch's Court Information Office, including managing and overseeing media relations, public outreach, and external communications strategic plans and activities. The incumbent performs the full range of supervisory responsibilities for a small unit of professional staff. This work requires the use of considerable independent judgment and initiative and is performed under limited supervision by the State Court Administrator.

This full-time position is classified as Director of Public Affairs. This work will be predominantly conducted in an office setting at the Minnesota Judicial Center, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more about benefits, click here.

Example of Duties

The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform:

Plans, assigns, coordinates, and directs the work of department personnel; performs the full range of supervisory duties for assigned professional staff, including hiring, coaching, disciplining, reviewing performance, and providing work direction.

Manages, oversees, and coordinates media relations for the Minnesota Judicial Branch including the Supreme Court and State Court Administrator’s Office; responds to media requests for information; drafts news releases; serves as on and off-the-record spokesperson; prepares others for interviews, press conferences, and other events; develops strategic media planning to position the court’s public image in accordance with judiciary’s agenda, strategic and operational plan; manages crisis communications as necessary.

Develops and implements external communications strategic plans in support of judiciary’s overall strategic plan and legislative initiatives; provides media relations training and consultation to judges and staff; designs and maintains the Branch’s public website; manages and provides content and long-range planning and direction for the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s social media sites.

Plans, oversees, and coordinates public outreach events and initiatives, including developing outreach materials.

Fosters and maintains effective and positive relationships with reporters, media outlets, and press corps and organizations such as the Minnesota District Judges Association, Minnesota District Judges Foundation, bar and professional associations, and community groups.

Plans and controls the annual department budget; develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures concerning external communications and media relations.

Participates in administrative management team meetings; informs leaders of pertinent media and public affairs issues.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field.

Extensive experience in media, communications, and/or public relations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and thorough experience in public administration, media, communications or public relations preferred.

Minimum 5 years supervisory experience preferred.

Experience in the court system or legal field, a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of the principles and procedures of managing and administering external communications programs, including media relations and public outreach.

Thorough knowledge of the English language and its use, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices, and principles of media relations, journalism, and mass communications.

Considerable knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and practices including employee supervision, budget preparation, and administration.

Considerable knowledge of strategic planning and implementation.

Considerable knowledge of social media platforms and the ability to leverage these platforms to further Branch vision and goals.

Knowledge of computerized office programs, including Microsoft Suite and SharePoint, (SharePoint a plus).

Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of professional staff.

Ability to implement the Branch's strategic plan though department activities and programs.

Ability to manage many competing priorities, demands, and deadlines.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the State Court Administrator, subordinates, other department directors, professional organizations, members of the supreme court, state bar association, other governmental and private agencies, and the general public.

Ability to communicate concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing, in various formats and mediums as appropriate for the intended message.

Supplemental Information

The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB) is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice. If you share this same commitment, desire a meaningful career serving the public, and want the opportunity to make a difference for your community, consider a career with us. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and characteristics. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB.

SALARY RANGE: $44.05 - $68.28 ($91,976 - $142,569 annually).

TO APPLY: Visit www.mncourts.gov. Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by June 30, 2020; 11:59 p.m. Employment offers may be rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.

INTERVIEWS: Interviews for this position will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at the Minnesota Judicial Center located in St. Paul, MN.

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting HR, daniel.blackburn@courts.state.mn.us.

Minnesota Judicial Branch

Human Resources, Rm. G-08

25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

St. Paul, MN 55155

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.