Communications Specialist, Hennepin County - Minnesota Judicial Branch

The Fourth Judicial District is pleased to accept applications for a Communications Specialist. This is responsible, professional work regarding the coordination of internal and external communications, media relations, community outreach and public education efforts. The work involves drafting newsletters, informational sheets regarding frequently asked questions, press releases, etc. The work involves creating scripts for videos, shooting video, and editing video. The work involves handling media and exhibit inquiries into the district and coordinating media coverage of high-profile matters. 

The Fourth Judicial District, also known as Hennepin County District Court, serves the residents of Hennepin County. We are a large urban district court with over 500 employees, seventy-five judicial officers, numerous high-profile matters and more than 400,000 annual case filings.
 
The position is full-time, exempt, and part of District Administration located in the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.  Typical hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This position will work onsite and remotely, according to business need.   Infrequent travel within the Twin Cities or greater Minnesota may be required.
  
This position is classified as a Communications Specialist.
 
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Develop and maintain educational materials about the district: researches, writes, edits, updates, and disseminates written, video, electronic and other educational materials using a variety of mediums (e.g., video overview of district used for city council meetings, educational video for jurors, one-page informational sheets covering frequently asked questions about housing court, treatment courts, etc.).
• Maintain website content regarding district court: Curates informational and educational content intended for the public on the Fourth Judicial District’s public website pages (over 40 content pages); coordinates education to division-specific website content managers regarding digital accessibility, plain language, etc. Participate in statewide project re: website content management system change. 
• Develops, initiates, coordinates, and executes community outreach and public education efforts (e.g., judicial listening sessions, mock trials, school and community organization tours, courthouse visits, Valentine’s Day weddings, Adoption Day, Law Day, Warrant Resolution events, etc.); coordinates media interest in outreach events; photographs and otherwise documents events.  Provides advice and assistance on promoting events locally and how best to reach intended and diverse audiences.
• Media Relations: Assists in ensuring that the court system’s response to media inquiries is in accordance with state access laws, court rules, the code of Judicial Conduct and current media standards.  Drafts media advisories and press releases. Responds to media and public inquiries for information or forwards requests to appropriate spokesperson. Analyzes impact of media coverage; assists in managing media issues such as the need for corrections. Prepares others for interviews, press conferences, or other public events.
• Internal communications: Participates in, plans and executes the district’s internal communications and events: Researches data, trends, stories and other information for inclusion in bi-weekly internal district newsletter, writes newsletter articles, drafts speeches or scripts for events such as retirement or Years of Service recognition events, new judge investitures; includes uniform key messages where appropriate; trains judges or district leaders on effective speech content or performance.  Edits district SharePoint sites.  Documents and promotes internal events.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Five years of post-high school education and experience, including a minimum of one years of experience in communication, media relations, or related field.
  • Examples include but are not limited to:
    • A four-year degree and one year of experience in communications work
    • A two-year degree and three years of experience in communications work
    • Five years of experience performing communications work

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the English language and its use, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Knowledge of the methods, practices and principles of creative writing, journalism, and mass communications.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of journalism and public relations.
• Some knowledge of Associated Press style and other media standards.
• Some knowledge of state government, especially court operations.
• Skill and ability to record and edit video.
• Ability to research, analyze and organize information.
• Ability to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships within the organization and with multiple and diverse outside contacts. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in English, journalism, communications, or related field.
• Experience in state government, especially court operations.
• Knowledge of a variety of communication technologies including web-based and interactive television.

SALARY:

The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $31.52 (range minimum)-$40.17 (range midpoint) per hour ($65,814 - $83,875 annually).   The full salary range for this position is $31.52 (range minimum)-$48.81 (range maximum) per hour ($65,814 - $101,915 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.  
  
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Complete and submit your online application with resume, cover letter, and an example of your work by [DATE].
• All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.
• Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: 4th.human.resources@courts.state.mn.us; or phone: 612-348-2298.