Communications Specialist

Salary: $34.46 - $44.59 Hourly
Location : Owatonna, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: Comm spec 6 2026
Department: Administration
Division: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA


Description
THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents.


Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.
ABOUT THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT : DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:

We believe that cities are at their best when they have effective and aligned operations. The Administration Department creates a better tomorrow by supporting and ensuring the alignment of all departments and elected officials to the City's shared goals.
As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work. In our department, the City's values look and sound like . . . BETTER TOGETHER:

• Breaking down silos and building the city as a team
• Utilizing individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds to ensure all departments and elected officials are aligned and working toward shared goals
• Building and maintaining relationships with departments and organizations to ensure open and honest communication
• Working as a team-we share the workload and support others when they need it
• Being open to new ideas

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Inviting the community to engage in decision-making through surveys, listening sessions, public hearings, etc.
• Providing timely information to the community in order to build and maintain trusting relationships
• Spending taxpayers' money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Sharing and celebrating the City's accomplishments and future goals through the State of the City Address
• Taking satisfaction in the public's utilization and enjoyment of our services and facilities
• Focusing on continuous improvement to ensure we meet the ever-changing needs of the growing community
• Providing creative solutions and measurable results

Duties / Responsibilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This position is responsible for coordinating, designing, writing, and implementing the production of professional digital, electronic and print publications and communications that educate and inform the public and staff of city policies, codes and government events.

Specifically, as the Communications Specialist you will...

• Works as a liaison with staff and outside agencies to develop information for internal and external publications. Responsible for coordinating, scheduling, designing, writing, editing, and preparing publications for print and digital formats.
• Serves as a photographer, videographer, photo and video editor to take and prepare photos and video for web, social media, and print pieces.
• Covers all city operations and works with departments on effectively capturing relevant information then distributing both for internal and external purposes.
• Responsible for updating the City's website by creating and linking content including designing and redesigning of the site to ensure the site is current and relevant. Creates video clips for the YouTube, website, and social media. Research trends and costs associated with communication tools.
• Provides related support services, which includes:. monitoring inquiries, complaints, and comments; and responding to routine citizen requests or questions.
• Supports polices and guidelines for City communications. Maintains working relationships with City staff, press and media contacts, communications professionals, external vendors, and customers.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

ABOUT YOU:

A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...
A bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field. Advanced computer skills and 3+ years of communications, marketing, public relations, website design, or related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the duties listed above.
Licensing in:

• Valid Driver's License

Knowledge of:

• Customer service principles;
• Graphic design, writing and marketing concepts
• Project coordination
• Strong organization and time management skills to include the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Basic principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility;
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment;
• English language, grammar, and punctuation;
• Data review techniques;
• Computers and related software applications;
• Applicable regulations and policies.

Skills in:

• Provide customer service and public relations;
• Proofreading and editing documents;
• Prioritizing and assigning work;
• Coordinating projects within assigned parameters;
• Reading and creating communications;
• Maintaining confidentiality;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Composing communications to staff and the public;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands

• This is a full-time position. Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Flexibility is important to us and our employees, schedule may vary based on needs.
• To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
2026 BENEFITS OVERVIEW
For a Regular Full-Time Employee


The City of Owatonna provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package as part of your total compensation. The City's benefits programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or health savings accounts, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings.


The following outline of City offered benefits serves as an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail.


EMPLOYER-PROVIDED BENEFITS

Paid Time Off (PTO): It is the policy of the City of Owatonna to provide employees with necessary time away from work. PTO can be utilized for any purpose, subject only to necessary request/approval procedures consistent with the City Policies and Procedures Manual and labor contracts. PTO accrues at the following rates for full-time employees:

Years of Service Hours/Year
1 144
2 152
3 160
4 168
5 176
6-9 184
10 192
11 200
12 208
13 216
14 224
15 228
16 232
17 236
18 240
19 244
20 248
21 252
22 256
23 260
24+ 264


11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday: All regular full-time employees of the City, except those who are governed by a union contract or different holiday policy, receive the following holidays:


Holiday Date
New Year's Day January 1st
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third Monday in January
Presidents' Day Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Juneteenth June 19th
Independence Day July 4th
Labor Day First Monday in September
Veteran's Day November 11th
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Last working day before Christmas December
Christmas Day December 25th
One (1) Floating Holiday Once per year; must be used by December 31st


Retirement:
PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association)

1. Eligible employees Must participate as directed by Minnesota Statutes.
2. PERA Coordinated Plan contributions rates (non-police & fire) are: 7.5% employer and 6.5% employees.
3. PERA Police & Fire Plan contributions & Fire are: 17.7% employer and 11.8% employees.

Health Insurance Coverage Through Medica:

Coverage for eligible employees becomes effective on the first day of employment.
1. Eligible employees can choose between 3 choices of varying deductible plans with single or family option coverage.
2. The City Contributes $ 650.00 towards single coverage/premium or $ 1,816.00 towards family coverage/premium
3. The City contributes $1,425/single or $2,900/family into an HSA account.


The city pays 100% of the premium and coverage costs of HealthiestYou, a virtual healthcare provider service with a $0.00 co-pay.
Term Life Insurance:
The City provides a $25,000 term life insurance policy at no cost to the employee.


Long Term Disability Insurance:
The plan provides long-term disability income with a 90-day consecutive elimination period. An employee must be a regular full-time employee and have completed six (6) months of employment to be eligible for this benefit.


New in 2026 - Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML):
For the 2026 plan year (January 1 - December 31, 2026), the City of Owatonna will cover 100% of the PFML insurance premium through our provider, Madison National Life Insurance Company.


Fitness Center:
Employees also have access to the City's West Hills Fitness Center at no cost as part of the city's wellness program.


Employee Assistant Plan (EAP):
The City of Owatonna provides an Employee Assistance Plan. This service provides free, confidential, professional assistance to help employees and their families resolve problems such as marital difficulties, financial or legal problems, emotional challenges, or problems caused by alcohol or other drug use that affect their personal lives or job performance.


OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE :
The following benefits are available on an elective basis at the employee's choice:

1. Deferred Compensation Plans (457 and Roth IRA's): Plans available through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and MissionSquare.
2. Dental Insurance: Coverage through Health Partners.
3. Supplemental Coverages: Plans available through AFLAC.
4. Supplemental Life Insurance: Plans through MN Life and PERA.
5. Health Care and Daycare Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Vision Care: Plan available through Eye Med.

Questions regarding benefit information can be directed to Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
01


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you hold at least a bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field and 3+ years of communications, marketing, public relations, website design, or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

03


Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High School or GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Maters Degree

04


Have you ever worked for a local or state government? (State/City/County/Public School District)

• Yes
• No

05


How many years of experience do you have in communications, marketing, public relations, website design, or similar roles?

• 0-1 years
• 2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

06


Please explain your work experience using social media for marketing and employee engagement efforts. If no experience, type N/A.
07


How many years of experience do you have providing high level internal and external customer service?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to three years
• Three to five years
• Five or more years

08


Please explain your work experience providing high level internal and external customer service. How will that experience benefit you in the Communications Specialist role? If no experience, type NA.
09


Do you have professional work experience proofreading and editing documents?

• Yes
• No

10


Please explain your professional work experience proofing and editing documents. If no experience, type NA.
11


Do you have experience working with and applying Minnesota State Statute Chapter 13?

• Yes
• No

12


Please explain your experience with applying Minnesota State Statute Chapter 13. If no experience, type NA.
13


Which communication tasks do you have experience with? (Select all that apply)

• Writing press releases
• Designing print publications
• Managing social media content
• Taking and editing photos or video
• Responding to public inquiries
• None - I do not have experience in any of the above areas

14


Which of the following tools are you proficient in?

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Social media management tools
• Canva
• None - I do not have related experience

15


Do you wish to apply for Veteran's Preference?You must complete the Veteran's Preference points below and submit the requited documentation (MEMBER COPY 4 VETERAN's DD214) to the City of Owatonna by the application deadline of the position for which you are applying.

• Not Claiming Veteran's Preference
• Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran

16


Tell us about a specific time you succeeded more as a team than on your own.
17


What do you love about your work?
18


Why do you want to serve the Owatonna community?
19


Please share one specific best moment from your work in the past year.
Required Question