Serve as primary communications strategist and provide consultation, strategic communications recommendations, and support for implementation of strategies. Lead project management, development and execution of strategic communication plans from concept to distribution including print collateral, publications, reports, online content, and social media. Lead and manage the planning of events including establishing clear measurable goals and themes; engaging key stakeholders; delegation of event tactics to ensure appropriate system/brand presence. Participate in cross-functional projects and advocate for the inclusion and correct presentation of marketing and informational communications. Help facilitate meetings, planning sessions, and retreats. Serve as brand strategist for Met Council management, provide communication recommendations to assist in messaging to key audiences. Provide message refinement, vision setting, and adjustment of style, method, and delivery as needed. Research and analyze current and future business needs in order to provide recommendations to meet organizational strategic goals. Partner with media relations team to provide content for media stories, prep spokesperson to ensure messaging and delivery aligns with Met Council strategy. Support general media relations activity which may include serving as a point of contact, facilitating meetings with public relations managers, providing key content for press releases, etc. Manage day-to-day relationships with external vendors and agencies. Establish metrics to measure communication strategies outcomes and conduct organization and communication audits to provide recommendations to enhance communication channels. Other related duties as assigned. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) Any of the following combinations of completed education (in marketing, communications, English, journalism, or a related field) and experience in a professional communications role, including experience communicating with various audiences:Bachelor’s degree or higher and 4 years of experience. Associate's degree and 6 years of experience. High school diploma/ GED and 8 years of experience. What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):Crisis communications knowledge and experience. Emergency management communications. Experience working directly with and advising organizational leadership. Strategic marketing experience. Background in audience analytics. Experience with and/or knowledge of Agile project management processes. Second language proficiency. Prior government experience (local, state, federal). Experience working with a diverse workforce and diverse communities, and reaching diverse audiences. What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:Knowledge of communication strategy including presentations, facilitation and front-facing communications. Knowledge of communication metrics and reporting. Knowledge of contract management. Knowledge of communication trends. Knowledge of design, photography and videography. Knowledge of crisis communications. Skilled in creating and implementing communication strategies. Planning and project management skills. Communication skills, including the ability to write for various outlets (internal, external, web, emails, newsletters). Facilitation skills. Persuasion skills. Advanced skillset in written and oral communications. Ability to communicate with various audiences such as industry representatives, organization management levels including senior executives and department leadership. Ability to collaborate with advocacy and other colleagues to ensure consistent messaging. Ability to maintain effective relationships with the team and external partners. Ability to explore alternatives and positions to reach agreements and solutions that gain support and acceptance. What you can expect from us:We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.