Public Information Officer - Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Public Information Officer

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID : 97903

• 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 : 10/28/2026

• Closing Date : 11/12/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Cannabis Management Office

• Division/Unit : Cannabis Management Office-OCM / Communications Staff

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 10%

• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional.

• 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 Public Information Officer (PIO) provides high-level communications strategy consultation and advice, as well as day-to-day coordination of various communications activities for the office. The position assists the Communications Director in the composition and administration of external media relations for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), serving as a spokesperson when appropriate. The PIO is responsible for writing, developing and editing compelling content for use and distribution across the office’s various publications and channels. This position works closely with OCM leadership to strategically develop and execute communications activities, and media initiatives.

This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two days per week and is required to be in the office three days per week.

A successful incumbent will be able to:

• Identify opportunities to strengthen and maintain positive relationships with internal and external audiences and key stakeholder groups

• Plan and implement public information actions so the office’s constituents and audiences are proactively advised of OCM activities, educational events, emergencies, and other events.

• Respond to requests for public information and prepare OCM staff for media interviews.

• Provide communications counsel and support for legislative efforts.

• Effectively and professionally represent the agency at public meetings and events on cannabis issues.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Three (3) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations or journalism. A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience must clearly demonstrate the following:

• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans that align with organizational goals and effectively reach target audiences.

• Experience producing clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences, including translating complex, technical, or regulatory information for public-facing materials such as newsletters, websites, reports, fact sheets or presentations.

• Experience working with members of the news media and acting as an organization’s spokesperson.

• Experience organizing press conferences or other media-related events.

• Experience working with website content management systems to update and maintain engaging and relevant information for the public.

• Ability to travel in-state for media and community engagement events hosted by or attend by the office (up to 10%).

In addition, applicants must submit a one-page cover letter to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, public relations or other relevant field.

• Experience working in in a regulated industry or knowledge of Minnesota cannabis laws, regulations, and policies.

• Bilingual in English and another language relevant to prominent Minnesota communities such as Spanish, Hmong, or Somali.

• Knowledge of plain language standards and demonstrated ability to apply them in written communications to improve clarity and accessibility.

• Experience applying Americans with Disabilities Act Title II standards and requirements, the Minnesota Government and Data Practices Act, and digital accessibility tools.

• Experience applying equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility principles to develop culturally responsive messaging.

Additional Requirements

Please include a one-page cover letter.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and former state employees only)

• Employment reference check

• Conflict of interest review

• Criminal background check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.