Communications Specialist 3

Job Details

Working Title: Director of Communications, Marketing & Events
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Minnesota State

• Job ID: 96161
• Location: Austin
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/10/2026
• Closing Date: 08/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Riverland CC-Austin West-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MnSCU Riverland Austin TC / MnSCU Rvrld Austin TC Class
• Appointment Type: ** Required for MNSCU. Enter selections on Build page.
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations, the Director of Communications, Marketing & Events provides leadership and operational direction for Riverland Community College’s marketing, branding, communications, and events functions. This position manages the implementation and execution of the Comprehensive Marketing Plan, integrates efforts across departments, and ensures all messaging aligns with the college’s brand, mission and vision. The Director is responsible for institutional, program-specific, alumni, and internal/external communications, while actively supporting student recruitment and retention initiatives. As the college’s key communicator and a vital member of the crisis response team, this role serves as the primary contact for emergency and severe weather communication, emergency planning, and messaging, as well as provides leadership for public-facing messaging at the institutional level, including media relations activities.

The Director of Communications, Marketing & Events works collaboratively with the marketing team to operationalize the marketing, branding and communication strategy across web, digital media, design, video, PR, and event functions. This position is responsible for managing key college events and has direct responsibility for media relations, sponsorships, branding, communication policy development, and data/information requests. The Director helps develop content, advises faculty and staff on marketing strategy, and provides high-level messaging guidance for public, media, and governmental communications at the campus, system, and community levels. This position operates with institutional strategy, priorities, and standards established by the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations.

Minimum Qualifications (expected to have to enter job)

• Minimum of three (3) years work experience OR a bachelor’s degree and two (2) years work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience; and an associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience. The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for a large institution or organization.
• Demonstrated event management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communication.
• Technical knowledge in writing/editing, photography/videography, graphic design, website content management, social media platforms, marketing, and project management.
• Experience with crisis management and drafting and communicating public relation statements.

Preferred Qualifications (desired but not expected to have to enter job)

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
• 10+ years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, or similar field.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing marketing plans, public relations, special events, graphic design, social media management, photography, videography, and printing, with demonstrated people skills and expertise in planning, writing, editing, designing, production methods, media relations, management, crisis media management, and organizational development.
• Experience with consumer marketing strategy, strategic advertising, and branding.
• Experience in higher education enrollment management.
• Understanding of the Minnesota State system (organization, leadership, culture).
• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities. Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Qualifications

Application Details

How to Apply

To view the full job posting and to apply please go to: .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Brooke Zastrow at [email protected] or 507-433-0510.

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 Brooke Zastrow at [email protected].

About Minnesota State

Riverland Community College, recognized a one of Southern Minnesota's 2026 Best Places to Work, provides a rewarding career that cultivates student growth through service, collaboration, innovation and respect. You will thrive in a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions, open communication and a commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement vice Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State 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.