Wanted: Brodkorb replacement

Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are accepting applications through the end of the week for a new communications director.

The powerful position was previously held by Michael Brodkorb, who was fired last month. Bordkorb's ouster followed the resignation of Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, as majority leader. Koch stepped down amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a unnamed staffer. Brodkorb's attorney would not comment on whether his client was the staffer.

Senate Republicans posted the job on Dec. 22, five days before electing Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, to replace Koch as majority leader.

The majority caucus will apparently fill the staff vacancy as it tries to solve a lingering financial problem. Leaders must soon trim the Senate's operating expenses by $2 million, under last summer's budget agreement that ended the state government shutdown. Brodkorb earned $90,000 a year.

Here's the job posting:

Executive Assistant to the Majority Caucus

(Open to Public )

Minnesota Senate

Job Posting

Date Posted: 12/22/2011 Application Deadline: 01/05/2012

Status: Full-Time Regular Benefit-Eligible

Office: Majority Caucus Reports To: Executive Director, Rules Committee

Primary Responsibilities: • Act as Communications Director of Majority Caucus.

• Under the direction of the Senate Majority Leader, provide media relations and public information assistance to the Majority Caucus.

• Coordinate press activity and media messages on behalf of the Majority Leader and Majority Caucus, including news releases, press conferences and press statements.

• Resolves complex media relations issues and provides assistance to members of the caucus.

• Oversee and manage the Majority communications staff.

• Maintain daily awareness of local, state, and national government issues.

Qualifications: • Media relations experience in a legislative environment desirable.

• Political astuteness and familiarity with all phases of print and electronic journalism.

• Strong organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills.

• Strong oral and written communications skills.

• Ability to relate well with the public and deal with a variety of complex and confidential tasks.

• Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends and meet tight deadlines.

Application Procedure: To apply submit : Resume Cover Letter to:

Maureen Watson

Leadership Assistant

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 208

St. Paul, MN 55155-1606

maureen.watson@senate.mn

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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