Minnesota Nurses Association
345 Randolph Avenue #200, St. Paul, MN  55102
Fax: 651-695-7000  Web: www.mnnurses.org
 

Public Relations Specialist

Based in St. Paul, MN
(position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon passage of probation)

 

POSITION TITLE: Public Relations Specialist
DATE: August 2026
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Public Affairs 
AVAILABLE: Immediately

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Minnesota Nurses Association is seeking a mission-driven communicator, passionate about the labor movement and committed to building the collective power of nurses through public relations and advocacy. 

The Public Relations Specialist plays a critical role in identifying, developing, and mobilizing members to participate in MNA’s public-facing campaigns, advocacy efforts, and union activities. The ideal candidate understands that organizing is essential to effective communications, is energized by helping workers build power, and can translate complex campaigns through effective media and external communications to MNA members and the public.

This role is a member of the Communications team and works closely with the Lead Communications Specialist, Internal Communications and Digital Communications Organizer, and under the Director of Public Affairs. 

Primary Job Duties:

• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, journalists, and other media contacts at local, state and national levels, including maintaining accurate media contact lists
• Write press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points and other public relations materials; coordinate internal review and approval.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews, statements, and other media requests
• Identify and pitch earned media opportunities that advance MNA’s communications and public affairs priorities
• Identify, prepare and train nurse advocates to serve as effective spokespeople
• Write remarks for public speaking opportunities including press conferences, forums, and public meetings
• Coordinate the creation, production, and distribution of public relations and marketing materials
• Use communications tools and systems to manage, measure, and evaluate campaign and media performance and inform external communications strategy
• Monitor earned and paid media coverage; analyze results and provide regular reporting and recommendations
• In collaboration with the Communications team, adapt messaging developed by the team Lead for external audiences, prioritizing effective strategies for reaching them.
• Work with external communications consultants on public relations, polling, message development, paid media, and other communications projects.
• Coordinate with MNA departments and organizational entities on communication strategies to support contract negotiations, new organizing, legislative and electoral work, and healthcare policy and advocacy

Secondary Job Duties:

• Serve as a backup for others in the Communications Department, including; Lead Communications Specialist, Digital Communications Organizer, and Internal Communications Specialist.
• Create and edit digital content for MNA’s publicly targeted communications channels including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Collaborate and execute external communications campaigns with the Minnesota AFL-CIO and other coalition and community partners
• Take photographs and videos of MNA events 
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or other relevant areas of study;
• 5-10 years of experience in public or media relations, journalism, or external facing communications;
• Successful completion of at least one electoral, public policy, labor or similar campaign in which you operated in an external communications role;
• Proven record of strong external communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed

OR 

• a combination of education and experience that demonstrates an applicant’s knowledge of external communications

AND a combination of the following.

• Knowledge of unions, the labor movement, and their mission 
• Knowledge of union organizing, political, and advocacy campaigns
• Knowledge of healthcare and nursing issues
• Ability to educate and train members and diverse audiences to understand issues and translate their experiences into content 
• Strong knowledge of media landscape
• Strong relationships with members of media
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Efficient editing skills using Adobe Suite (i.e. Photoshop and Premiere Pro)
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop constructive relationships
• Ability to accept feedback and move ideas you disagree with
• Capacity to prioritize tasks, work independently and be part of a team 

Work/life balance is prioritized; however, the ability to work weekends, irregular hours, and travel may be required. Reliable transportation is required.

SALARY: Per MNASO Local 1, Unit 2 Contract Agreement. A salary range of $89,814 – $93,413, dependent on experience, with generous benefits including defined benefit pension, 401K matching, 100% employer-paid single and low-cost family health insurance coverage, 20 vacation, 12 sick, and 3 personal days, along with 12 paid holidays annually. 

MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. 

This position is housed primarily in the MNA office in St. Paul MN, but may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (2 days at home, 3 days in the office) upon successful completion of probation.

Contact: 
Send letter of application, résumé, references and salary requirements to Brenda Woodall, HR Manager at Brenda.Woodall@mnnurses.org