State of Minnesota Jobs

Working Title: District Communications Specialist

Job Class: Education Program Specialist

Agency: Education Department

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/15/2024

• Closing Date : 05/06/2024

• Bid Open Date : 04/15/2024

• Bid Close Date: 04/21/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Education-St Paul / Program Management

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Telework Eligible : Yes Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis.

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

As the Statewide Assessment Communications Specialist for Statewide Testing, you will have a key role in providing direction, leadership, consultation, professional advice and service to educational personnel, institutions, leadership, and the public.

Key responsibilities include:

· Advising school district staff and contractors on procedural and technical aspects of Minnesota Statewide assessments

· Creating and implementing policy, guidance, and procedures to ensure that Minnesota's testing aligns with best practices and state and federal testing requirements

· Creating testing materials and communications for the Minnesota Department of Education's stakeholders to increase understanding and adherence to Minnesota assessment programs and standardized statewide testing

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of professional experience as a school employee with experience administering or overseeing large-scale assessments or conducting school wide communications work, OR four years of professional experience working for a testing/assessment vendor;

OR

A bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience as a school employee with experience administering or overseeing largescale assessments or conducting school wide communications work,

OR a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience working for a testing/assessment vendor.

• Experience must include:

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders including students, parents, school districts, testing vendors, school boards, and the State and Federal Departments of Education;

• Experience creating verbal, written, or other communications materials;

• Experience with Minnesota’s educational structure and state and federal legislation regarding assessments in order to resolve issues that require constructive thinking and to identify and recommend alternatives that meet program and legislative intent

Preferred Qualifications

Experience responding professionally to emails and phone calls at times in a fast-paced environment while maintaining ongoing projects.

Experience writing appropriately timed articles or creating materials that inform stakeholders so they can successfully fulfill their responsibilities and increase understanding of Minnesota assessment programs.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.

Ability to take initiative in a team environment.

Experience with data management/manipulation.

Experience quality checking customer facing systems.

Experience developing and documenting procedures.

Ability to negotiate outcome based on what is best for program and generate buy-in

Analytical skills necessary to come to conclusions and make recommendations based on available information, including data.

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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.