Communications Strategist - Communications Specialist 4

Working Title: Communications Strategist - Communications Specialist 4
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 90974
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes/Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be accepted through 12/29/2025.
• Date Posted: 12/23/2025
• Closing Date: 01/05/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division: Office of African American Health
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

This position leads the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of communications efforts for the Office of African American Health (OAAH).  The Communications Strategist is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive communications plan that supports the OAAH mission to address identified health disparities of African Americans in Minnesota.  The role requires the planning and production of a communications plan, and producing culturally relevant, accessible, and audience-specific communications across multiple platforms.

The Communications Strategist will identify and implement communications strategies that elevate community priorities, promote transparency, and foster engagement with stakeholders, partners, and the public.  The incumbent will also coordinate with MDH's central Communications Office, external media outlets, and community messengers to amplify messaging and ensure alignment with agency-wide communication protocols.  As part of their role, the Communications Strategist will serve as the accessibility coordinator for OAAH, ensuring that all communications meet language access, digital accessibility, and cultural relevance standards.  To support these activities, the incumbent will maintain a working knowledge of the social, political, and historical factors impacting African American health in Minnesota and will regularly collaborate with internal teams, community partners, and interagency colleagues to ensure consistent, responsive, and equity-centered communications.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans for the Office of African American Health (OAAH).
• Create and manage culturally relevant content for digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for media outreach and external engagement. 
• Serve as the accessibility and equity communications lead.

This position is eligible for telework up to 50% of the time and is based in the St. Paul office.  

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held

Four (4) years of strategic communications experience.  Experience must include:

• Project management with internal and external partners.
• Developing a communications plan that includes input from key stakeholders.
• Coordinating and implementing communications activities, such as developing internal and external communications strategies, goals and objectives, timetables/schedules, work plans, or other related activities.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Knowledge of African American health, public health, and communications.
• Knowledge of communications principles and strategies.
• Organization and coordination skills sufficient to manage assignments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

A related associate degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related master's degree may be substituted for one and a half (1.5) years of experience.  A related doctorate degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in African American studies, communications, or public health.
• Experience working with diverse populations such as low-income, rural residents, racial, ethnic, or cultural communities, adolescents, older adults, people with Limited English Proficiency, people with disabilities or mental illness, and LGBTQ communities.
• Strong cultural competence and experience working with African American communities and other communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities.

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.

About Health Department 

(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)

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
• Tuition reimbursement <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement>
• 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.