Job Details 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: 11/11/2026
- 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 : Yes
Job Summary 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.
Qualifications 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
mustsubmit 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.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Jeannette Wakefield at jeannette.wakefield1@state.mn.us or 651-539-5001 .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jeannette Wakefield at jeannette.wakefield1@state.mn.us .
The Office of Cannabis Management supports our Veterans in job employment. If invited to interview, recently separated veterans will be required to present their DD-214 to the hiring agency for verification.
