Communications Specialist

The primary purpose of this position is to create written and multimedia communications materials about MPHA programs for external and internal audiences including public housing residents, housing voucher participants, employees, and the public. The incumbent also supports MPHA’s overall external relations strategy and brand by researching, developing, and as directed, delivering messaging that is clear, consistent, and accurate. The incumbent creates and supports new opportunities for MPHA to showcase its programs and messaging to the community. The incumbent collaborates with departments across the Authority on tasks related to communications.

All activities must support the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s ("MPHA" or "Authority") mission, vision and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

Designs, writes, and produces articles, flyers, and other printed materials for internal and external use; coordinates production with external printers, designers, and other third-party suppliers, as needed.

Produces photography, graphics, videos, and other media for the organization as needed.

Writes, posts, and regularly manages MPHA’s social media accounts and website. Maintains knowledge of social media analytics, online distribution technology, and applications including live streams.

In coordination with Assistant Director, actively manage the department’s editorial calendar, including pitching story ideas, interviewing agency staff, residents, and program participants for stories, and drafting content in a variety of forms for the agency’s various platforms.

Attends events and builds relationships with residents, resident leader groups, and MPHA program participants to discover positive stories that MPHA can document and share. Gathers and produces materials communicating these stories.

• While a license and/or car is not required for this role, the incumbent will likely travel to various MPHA properties throughout the year. Reliable transportation will be required.

Develops and maintains a standard graphics and photo library, including templates and other branding guidance for the Authority.

Collaborates in executing large-scale agency events and external meetings.

In coordination with the Assistant Director, ensure the timely response to media inquiries.

• A news cycle can move at inconvenient times, so the incumbent should be comfortable working quickly on tight deadlines on occasion.

In coordination with the Assistant Director, manage proactive media relations work, including: identifying newsworthy angles or stories for agency work to pitch media, drafting media releases, maintaining media lists, coordinating press conferences, and producing relevant fact sheets.

Makes necessary updates to information available on MPHA’s internal and external websites. Monitors and ensures content is accurate, regularly refreshed, and functions properly.

• The incumbent will be tasked with leading a cross-functional team to overhaul the agency’s website in 2024.

Works with vendors to deliver translations of key MPHA documents and coordinate translation services for agency events.

Coordinates with other departments to update MPHA fact sheets with portfolio and financial data and maintains a quick-reference of updated local housing market and other data to support MPHA’s messaging.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies:

MPHA expects all employees to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

• Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers. 
• Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition. 
• Effective Communication: Employee is prepared, clear, concise and organized in all facets of communication in order to fully establish understanding. Actively listens and understands the audience to adapt message appropriately. Communicates information with appropriate personnel in a timely manner. 
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 
• Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, strategic communications, business administration, public administration or related field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in media, journalism, strategic or policy/advocacy communications, graphic design and production, and/or marketing communications. An interest or knowledge of affordable or subsidized housing programs and regulations desired, as is an interest in storytelling. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Full-time internships in relevant industries listed above will be counted towards minimum experience for role.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license. Those positions may also require use of a personal vehicle and evidence of individual automobile insurance coverage, or the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Must pass a criminal history background check.

Education and/or Experience (continued):

Technical Skills:

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (especially MS Word and PowerPoint), familiarity with graphic design principles and software (such as Canva and or Adobe Suite), and the ability to learn other computer software programs as required. Candidates should demonstrate strong writing skills. Experience with social media campaigns (MailChimp), photography, the WordPress website content management system, and video production preferred.

Salary:

$28.39 - 35.01 per hour, dependent on evaluation of candidate qualifications as compared to job requirements.