The Public Utilities Commission will be filling one (1) vacancy in the Communications department at either the Specialist 2 or 3 classification level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate(s). Please make certain that your resume and application materials reflect all required minimum qualifications and experience as listed in the minimum qualifications for the classification level that you are interested in applying for.

Applicants must submit a writing sample with their application (separate from a cover letter). Please send writing sample to Jennifer Forside, jennifer.forside@state.mn.us, for consideration. Applications without a writing sample will not be considered. 

Please note: This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings).

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is seeking a versatile and skilled Communications Specialist to support a wide range of internal and external communications efforts. This position works closely with the Communications Director to plan and execute communications that elevate PUC initiatives and enhance public engagement. The ideal candidate is a communications generalist with strong writing, editing, and project management skills. Responsibilities include developing content for various platforms—such as the website, social media, news releases, digital newsletters, and public-facing materials—as well as preparing messaging and materials for Commission events and speakers. This role requires flexibility, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Job Duties: 

Communications Specialist 2

• Develop and implement external communication strategies to ensure the public receives clear, concise, timely information regarding PUC’s programs and work. 
• Oversee content for the Commission’s website and digital channels, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and accessible.
• Support the Commission’s leadership and program areas by developing talking points, presentations, fact sheets, issue briefs, and event messaging.
• Partner with agency staff to translate technical and regulatory information into accessible content for the public and media.
• Contribute to media relations, including drafting releases, coordinating responses, and supporting proactive outreach.
• Represent the Communications Office at public meetings and events, as needed.

Please note: Occasional travel within Minnesota may be required to support public meetings or outreach events.

The Communications Specialist 3 performs theses duties at an advanced level. The incumbent manages and leads internal and external communications strategies, as well as media relations. 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for Communications Specialist 2:

• Two (2) years of full-time professional experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Proven experience planning and executing strategic communications plans and campaigns.
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills across formats (e.g., web, news releases, social media, newsletters).

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview.

• Demonstrated success in media relations, including the development of proactive media strategies and materials.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Minimum qualifications for Communications Specialist 3:

• Four (4) years of full-time professional experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Proven experience planning and executing strategic communications plans and campaigns.
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills across formats (e.g., web, news releases, social media, newsletters).

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview.

• Demonstrated success in media relations, including the development of proactive media strategies and materials.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills

*Doctorate degree in in journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field may substitute for 2 years of experience 

*Master’s degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience

*Bachelor’s degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience

*Associate’s degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field.
• Experience with Minnesota state government communications platforms such as Tridion or Drupal (website content management systems).
• Proficiency with email marketing tools such as GovDelivery.
• Ability to distill complex or technical topics into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong presentation, persuasion, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and reference check.

About Public Utilities Commission

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy, i.e., electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. One of the key functions of the commission in performing this mission is to balance the private and public interests affected in each docket, and to make decisions that appropriately balance these interests in a manner that is “consistent with the public interest.”

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