Media Relations Manager

*This position is restricted to current City of Minneapolis employees.*

The mission of the Media Relations Manager position is to establish a well-coordinated strategy and process for promoting and protecting the City of Minneapolis's reputation through our relationships with the media. This role exists to set direction, standards, and effective processes for proactive and reactive engagement with journalists, with the goal of maximizing news coverage that supports the City's key narrative, reaches key audiences, and accurately and effectively conveyed to journalists (and, by extension, the public), fostering positive relationships with media outlets, and maintaining consistent, transparent communication during both routine operations and crisis situations. Ultimately, the position serves to build and protect the city's reputation through proactive and reactive media engagement, ensuring clear and accurate information dissemination.

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations plans aligned with the City's strategic goals.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Media Relations Coordinators, fostering professional growth and a collaborative team environment.
• Identify key media targets and execute proactive outreach strategies, adjusting based on performance and media trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other media professionals.
• Oversee the creation of accurate, compelling media materials (e.g., press releases, advisories, fact sheets, talking points) consistent with the City's brand and messaging.
• Standardize and manage citywide media relations procedures, including press conferences and media communications.
• Ensure timely, professional responses to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and providing accurate information.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage, reporting effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts as part of the Joint Information System.
• Provide media coaching and preparation to city officials and staff as needed.
• Collaborate with city departments to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated communication.
• Work closely with Strategic Communications, Multimedia Services, and Digital Communications Managers to align media strategies across all channels.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
Five to seven years of progressive work experience in the field of Communications in directly related work. Supervisory and/or management experience required.

EQUIVALENCY:
An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
None.

SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

BACKGROUND CHECK:
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

UNION REPRESENTATION:
This position is not represented by a bargaining unit. Review Civil Service Rules here: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/civil-service-rules/.

ELIGIBLE LIST STATEMENT:
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire one (1) month after it has been established.

INTERVIEW SELECTION:
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to analyze data to support informed decision-making.
• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.