Communications Coordinator - Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Communications Coordinator
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91929
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 02/12/2026.
• Date Posted: 02/06/2026
• Closing Date: 02/19/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Health Department (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Health Systems / Health Policy Office of Rural Health 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

In coordination with the Office of Rural Health (ORHPC) management team, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing communication strategies that support ORHPC initiatives to improve health outcomes in rural communities across Minnesota. This position involves creating and disseminating content, engaging with stakeholders, and managing public relations efforts to promote rural health programs and services, including the Minnesota Rural Health Transformation Program and Minnesota’s National Rural Health Day events. It directs internal and external communications for the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, including development of long- and short-term communications strategies; writing, editing, design, accessibility and distribution of written and electronic/web communications.  It provides oversight of staff-developed fact sheets, issue papers, articles and reports, and planning and oversight of office communications. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• Communications Strategy Development.
• Content Creation and Management.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Marketing ORHPC’s services and functions to internal (MDH) and external audiences.

The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience in communications or public relations. Experience must include each of the following:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies or plans for internal and external audiences.
• Writing, editing, and overseeing publication of multiple communication products such as newsletters, fact sheets, reports, press releases, website content, or social media.
• Managing or coordinating website or digital content, including working with web staff or content management systems.
• Collaborating with leadership, subject matter experts, or program staff to develop key messages and communication materials.

A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Ability to think strategically about communications and translate program goals into clear messaging, target audiences, and appropriate communication channels.
• Ability to manage multiple competing communications priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Ability to provide lead direction, consultation, and editorial guidance to staff developing written or digital communications.
• Ability to analyze communication effectiveness and describe how data or engagement feedback is used to improve communication efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as the primary or lead communications contact for a program, division, or organization.
• Experience working in public health, health care, government, or another highly regulated environment requiring careful review of public information.
• Experience coordinating communications, marketing, or outreach for conferences, large events, or public awareness campaigns.
• Experience ensuring accessibility, branding, and plain language standards in written and digital communications.

Additional Requirements

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

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@state.mn.us or 651-201-5984.

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 Kaitlyn Crowley at katie.crowley@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.