Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response - Health Community Services Division Director

Working Title: Director, Emergency Preparedness & Response
Job Class: Health Community Services Division Director
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95650
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 07/22/2026
• Closing Date: 08/11/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Emergency Preparedness & Response (EPR)
• 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: $55.68 - $79.79 / hourly; $116,259 - $166,601 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan
• 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.

Join a mission-driven team in the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your expertise meets our commitment to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans!

This position exists as part of the senior management team to direct complex emergency preparedness, response and recovery, and business continuity activities for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in order to strengthen public health and health care system readiness, response, and recovery capacity and capability in coordination with programs and activities of other preparedness and response partners. Primary functions include directing activities using extensive knowledge of emergency preparedness and response to establish the vision and direction for the health components of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and business continuity, while assuring state and local agency emergency response activities address state health priorities.

Working as the Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response, you will:

• Provide administrative leadership to the division, including establishing and upholding priorities and practices to ensure the division is operating effectively and meeting the needs of the department.
• Provide vision, direction, and leadership for statewide planning and implementation of the emergency preparedness activities for the Minnesota Department of Health, the local public health system, tribal governments, the health care system, and institutes of higher education so that the health aspects of disasters are defined and effective response and recovery measures are developed.
• Develop, implement and evaluate emergency preparedness program activities, monitor performance, and administer the program so that programs are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Coordinate or integrate public health and health care emergency preparedness planning, response and recovery in order to assure a seamless emergency preparedness and response structure is in place to minimize the impact of disasters on all Minnesotans.
• Regularly assess and monitor emergency preparedness and emergency response evaluation system in order to demonstrate preparedness strengths and areas needing attention for a wide range of emergencies.
• Ensure a coordinated and integrated public health and health care response to emergencies, including those in which MDH is the lead agency and for those in which MDH plays a supporting role so that response efforts can be rapidly deployed and can readily focus on effective strategies.
• Direct the development and preparation of the biennial budget for the division and project future program needs and administer annual division spending plans and state or federal funds so that fiscal resources are appropriately allocated and managed.
• Serve as the agency representative at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during public health emergencies.  Hold a national security level clearance for national emergency preparedness briefings as a member of the Association of State and Territorial Health Organizations (ASTHO) Directors of Emergency Preparedness.

In accordance with 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

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

Five (5) years of public health experience or directing complex emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities.

• Providing supervisory or managerial level leadership overseeing one or more major health program area.
• Developing and managing budgets that include complex state and federal funding sources.
• Communicating and planning with national public health organizations, as well as with state local public health, Tribal, and healthcare organizations.
• Working with legislators and the Governor's Office, as well as with legal, communications, labor, and human resources teams withing an organization.
• Working with state and federal associations and organizations leading local and tribal public health emergency preparedness and response and health care emergency preparedness.

A degree in public health, public administration, emergency preparedness or other closely related field may substitute for experience as follows:

• Doctorate = 24 months
• Master's = 18 months
• Bachelor's =12 months
• Associate's = 6 months

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Demonstrated analytical, project management, change management and problem-solving skills sufficient to evaluate complex issues and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and act quickly and effectively during a crisis, including leading teams during a crisis.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, regulated entities, media, and legislators.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills sufficient to respond to inquiries and clearly explain or defend decisions and initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, public administration, emergency preparedness and response or related field.
• Executive management and leadership experience, with accountability for directing a major program area, preferably in public health or health care emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
• Experience leading large teams, including implementing initiatives related to team culture.
• Demonstrated ability to direct development and implementation of a strategic plan.
• Management in government with knowledge of federal and/or state laws, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in the state legislative process.
• Working knowledge of the statutes and laws related to emergency powers and actions.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This position requires a National Security Clearance. (This would not be needed upon hire but would be obtained through ASTHO after hired.)
• This position does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. 
• MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.  

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-201-5617.

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@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.