Cancer Programs Assistant Section Manager - State Program Administrative Manager

Working Title: Cancer Programs Assistant Section Manager - State Program Administrative Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92318
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/20/2026
• Closing Date: 03/12/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division / Sage and Cancer Programs 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented 
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Assistant Section Manager provides leadership, guidance, and oversight for the operations and growth of the Cancer Programs Section (CPS), including Minnesota’s CDC-funded programs NBCCEDP (Sage), CRCCP (Cancer Screening Quality Improvement), Comprehensive Cancer, and WISEWOMAN (SagePlus). This position ensures programs are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with federal and state requirements, while supporting staff development, strategic planning, high-quality service delivery, and program growth.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Program Oversight & Compliance: Ensure all programs comply with CDC guidelines, state and federal regulations, and grant requirements. 
• Leadership & Staff Development: Supervisor and mentor staff, including supervisory and operations personnel. 
• Strategic Planning & Section Support: Recommend priorities and workflow improvements. 
• Fiscal & Resource Management: Oversee budgets, grants, contracts, and other resources to ensure compliance and effective use. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with CDC project officers, state and local partners, clinical and community stakeholders, and legislators. 
• Technical Assistance & Community Impact: Provide guidance to staff, partners and stakeholders on program development, date modernization, evidence-based interventions, and equitable service delivery. 

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state. 

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience managing a public health program that includes supervising staff, budget management and oversight, stakeholder engagement and community outreach. Experience must include the following: 

• Directing high-level public health programs or initiatives (e.g., CDC, HRSA, NIH, CMS, State, or Foundation) 
• Grant and contract management 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with health professionals, federal and local officials, tribal organizations, community groups, the private and voluntary sectors, and general public. 
• Demonstrated experience in one of the following: 
  • Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, or project lead; 
  • Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4, Everyday Leaders);
  • Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization;
  • A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must include: 1+ years identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions, AND 100+ hour per year commitment. 

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview: 

• Ability in and demonstrated experience with the administration of large competitive grants. 
• Knowledge of cancer and cardiovascular disease and prevention. 
• Knowledge of the functions, policies, and procedures of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its participation in state and public health programs as well as private, local, and other state and national health agencies. 
• Ability and demonstrated experience in developing, overseeing, and administering complex budgets. 

Degree Equivalencies

A related doctoral degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience; a related masters degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; a related bachelors degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a related associates degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree in Public Health or closely related field of study. 
• Thorough knowledge of MDH functions, policies, and procedures and federal and state laws pertaining to public health programs. 
• Thorough knowledge of modern principles of administrative management and continuous quality improvement. 
• Experience with large-scale, CDC-funded chronic disease and health promotion programs. 

Additional Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check and employment reference checks. 

This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us. 

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction. 

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.