Job Description

Working Title: Deputy Communications Director

Job Class: Communications Manager 1

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 92729
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/12/2026
• Closing Date: 04/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Communications
• Work Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 10%
• 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: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

This position serves as the Deputy Communications Director and provides managerial and strategic leadership for DCYF’s internal and external communications programs. The position has authority to develop, implement, and evaluate enterprise level communications strategies that directly impact the agency’s public reputation, legislative relationships, executive leadership priorities, and internal workforce engagement.

The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment in directing communications strategy, supervising professional staff, managing crisis response, and advising executive leadership. The position functions as second in command within the Communications Department and assumes full operational authority in the absence of the Communications Director.

The position manages high-level complex public information and public relations campaigns and projects, and generates or contributes to talking points, press releases, blogs, op-eds and other communication materials for the Commissioner and the agency. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in development of the strategic communications strategy – integrating external and internal communications, marketing, social media and visual communications.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct and manage the agency’s external communications strategy, including communications and public relations planning.
• Oversee the production of high-level written, visual, and digital materials including marketing and outreach, Commissioner speeches, and website content while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with agency priorities.
• In collaboration with the Communications Director, manage the agency’s media relations and crisis communications by developing strategies for the agency, including message development, press releases, media events, proactive and reactive strategies.
• Direct internal communications strategies to ensure staff are informed about agency news, policies, and procedures, and to support staff engagement and pride in the workplace.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

Four (4) years of experience in advanced communications, public relations, or public affairs in a large organization.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic communication guidance to senior leaders, such as executives, directors, board members, or other high-level decision makers.
• 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

Demonstrated leadership* experience.

• Leadership experience can include the following:
• Experience as a supervisor, leadworker, team lead, project lead:
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include:
  • 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
  • 100+ hours per year time commitment

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in high-pressure, high-visibility situations.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to anticipate communications risks and opportunities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with executives, partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to navigate sensitive or controversial issues.
• Strong collaboration and influence skills, especially across organizational boundaries without direct authority.
• High degree of adaptability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience supervising a communications, public relations or public affairs team.
• Experience leading communications in a large, complex public-sector organization.
• Experience advising or coordinating with Governor’s Offices, legislative, or other high-level government partners.
• Background managing communications for sensitive, controversial, or complex issues.
• Experience directing or contributing to organization-wide strategic planning, organizational change communications.
• Experience developing communications strategies that support equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive engagement with diverse communities.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Carissa Larsen at carissa.larsen@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Susan Vang at susan.y.vang@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote work, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift

Similar Jobs