Communications Specialist – Communications & Outreach
September 12, 2025
100 Red Rock Road, Newport, MN 55055
Annual Salary Range: $62,805.80 – $94,999.40
Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is searching for a Communications Specialist that can provide support for outreach and communications activities. This position will report to a staff person within the programs department of R&E and will primarily focus on external outreach and communications efforts related to waste reduction and recycling programs. Ideal candidates will have knowledge and experience in developing and disseminating communications content.
R&E is a joint powers entity formed by Ramsey and Washington Counties. R&E coordinates recycling and waste programs between the two counties and owns and operates the R&E Center in Newport, Minnesota. R&E’s vision is vibrant, healthy communities without waste. R&E accomplishes its mission through partnerships and innovation.
This is non-exempt work including, but not limited to, the following duties:
- Work collaboratively with staff from R&E, Ramsey County and Washington County in developing and implementing joint communications strategies to ensure common language, coordinated messages and appropriate communication tools and timing.
- Coordinate workflows and track progress with contracted vendors to design and develop assets, messages and other materials.
- Coordinate internal communications, including working on development of R&E Board and committee documents, maintaining files and communication channels, facilitating internal staff communications and facilitating communications with county staff.
- Working with county and R&E staff, develop strategic partnerships with public, private and non- profit organizations to enhance efforts in communicating about food scrap recycling.
- Collaborate with county and R&E staff, as well as numerous stakeholders, to develop and implement effective communications plans, strategies and materials to promote programs and related activities, including using community engagement strategies to collect community input, develop relationships and guide future program changes.
- Coordinate involvement in special events, media relations, presence on the internet and other electronic media, mass mailings, annual reports, signage and other informational and promotional documents.
- Produce informational products by working with outside vendors to ensure quality, plain language, accuracy and tone. Ensure translation of materials. Arrange for the appropriate distribution of materials in collaboration with staff from the two counties.
- Collaborate with staff from R&E and both counties to identify opportunities to advance progress on R&E goals.
- Gather information and evaluate data to assemble a variety of reports, charts or manuals and conduct research on special projects.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, behavioral sciences, journalism, marketing, education, environmental sciences, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
Experience: Four (4) years of experience in communications, marketing, project coordination, program management, community engagement, education, public sector service delivery, or a closely related field. Preference given for above experience in solid waste management and environmental fields
Substitution: A Master’s degree in any of the above fields and two (2) years of required experience. Or an Associate’s degree in any of the above fields and six (6) years of required experience.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School diploma, GED or equivalent
Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience listed above to total eight (8) or more years.
Licensure: A valid Class D driver’s license is required.
Job Description
A detailed job description can be found here Communications Specialist
Benefits
This position a benefits eligible position. A summary of benefits available to R&E non-union employees can be found here: Non-Represented Summary of Benefits
Posting Timeframe
Position open until filled. Applicants should respond promptly as the initial review of applications and supplemental questions will occur on Monday, October 6th.
To Apply
All steps must be completed for an application to be considered. Please submit all attachments (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio) in PDF format to ensure documents are readable and can be thoroughly reviewed. The job application and supplemental questions are both fillable-PDFs. Learn how to use fillable PDFs
- Complete the job application (Save in PDF format if possible)
- Thoroughly answer all Supplemental Questions – Comm Spec (Comm/Outreach). (Save in PDF format if possible)
- Send completed job application and supplemental questions to Human Resources by emailing HR@recyclingandenergy.org or by mailing or delivering the application materials to: R&E Center at 100 Red Rock Rd, Newport, MN 55055
Ramsey Washington Recycling & Energy provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance or national origin.