Early Childhood Communications Specialist / Communications Specialist 3

Job Details Working Title:

Early Childhood Communications Specialist / Communications Specialist 3

Job Class:

Communications Specialist 3

Agency:

Children Youth & Families Dept Job ID :

94106

Location :

St.

Paul Telework Eligible :

Yes Full/Part Time :

Full-Time Regular/Temporary :

Limited Who May Apply :

Open to all qualified job seekers.

Date Posted :

05/08/2026

Closing Date :

05/22/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit :

Children Youth & Families Dept /

DCYF Central Office MAPE Division/Unit :

DCYF/EarlyLearningDataAnalytics&Ops Work Shift:

Day Shift Work Hours :

8:00 am•4:30 pm

Days of Work :

Monday•

Friday Travel Required :

No Salary Range:

$32.40•$47.76 / hourly; $67,651•$99,722 / annually

Classified Status :

Unclassified Bargaining Unit/Union :

214•

MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE End Date :

01/15/2028

FLSA Status :

Nonexempt Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with

Disabilities:

No 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. Job Summary Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available. •This temporary opportunity is expected to last up to 1 year and is open to both part-time (working a minimum of 20 hours weekly) or full-time (working 40 hours weekly). Status will be determined based on an agreed upon work schedule at the time of hire. •This position may include full state fringe benefits; and will vary depending on part-time or full-time status . This position serves as a communications specialist tasked with communicating information in the best way possible. The position is responsible for developing and executing a sustainable and strategic communications plan for early childhood communications for the Early Learning Services Division, including targeted support for the Great Start Scholarships Program and the Preschool Development Grant. The position will work across the Early Childhood Administration to deliver high-quality, user-centered content for both internal and external partners. To do this, the position will also include supporting community engagement efforts. The position will lead media opportunities, such as press releases and events and may require collaboration with the Governor's Office and communications offices across departments. This position functions as the software, marketing, and communications subject matter expert for the division, and as the webmaster. The position will work with contractors and lead contracts to develop deliverables and ensure enterprise and agency accessibility and language standards are met. Most importantly, this position will uphold our team's guiding principles of communications that are culturally-relevant, plain language, accessible and rooted in human-centered design principals.

Responsibilities include:

Design, maintain, implement and evaluate a plan for communicating information in the best way possible. The communications plan must advance early childhood communications, including for Early Learning Services, Great Start Scholarships Program and the Preschool Development Grant and establish a tone that is culturally responsive and welcoming to all families as well as programs, and partners. Plan and implement web-based communication efforts and community engagement tactics. Center the lived experiences of Minnesotans to continuously listen, understand, and embed priorities of children and families within communications work and ensure messages are reaching intended audiences. Work with community engagement contractor(s), grantees, Tribal Nations, partner organizations, and others to build and sustain relationships. Develop and maintain extensive knowledge of state agency practices and priorities related to communications, and guide agency staff in work related to public communications. Maintain current knowledge of accessibility standards and ensure Early Learning Services communications materials are accessible Qualifications 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.•Three (3) years of experience with planning, designing, writing, and editing print and electronic communications materials or tools.

Experience must include:

Building and implementing a communications plan for mid-large size organizations Composing and editing publications for a wide range of audiences Applying plain language and accessibility standards to communication materials sufficient to ensure clear and concise messaging that can be accessed by all Planning, developing, and implementing effective communication, marketing, or public relations strategies sufficient to meet agency communication needs A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field may substitute for 12 months of experience OR A Master's degree in in Communications, Marketing or a related field may substitute for 18 months of experience. Preferred Qualifications Advanced skill in graphic design though creation of high-quality, compelling graphics, and design elements using a variety of tools and/or applications Experience creating communications materials for multilingual audiences. Experience with media relations. Experience creating marketing materials (print and electronic). Knowledge of early childhood or whole family landscape. Experience communicating complex issues, orally and in writing, clearly and effectively with a wide variety of colleagues and audiences. Experience designing effective, accessible communications materials sufficient to share technical, complex information or issues to a broad audience. 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 Application Details 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 http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about the position, contact Amanda Varley at Amanda.

Varley@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.