Health Equity Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Health Equity Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92126
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary / Anticipated to end 10/28/2028.
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/11/2026
• Closing Date: 02/17/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division/Unit: Health Equity Strategy and Innovation / Health Equity Communications Staff
• 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: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• End Date: 10/28/2028
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 Health Equity Communications Specialist serves the communications needs of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and its state, local, and community partners by coordinating and implementing communication activities in the Health Equity Division, providing expert technical advice to staff and partners regarding internal and external communications and messaging, strategies, practices, and laws, and serving as the communications accessibility coordinator for the Health Equity Division. 

This position will serve as a communications expert integrating health equity, plain language, cross-cultural communication, and digital accessibility into planning and implementation. The position will utilize best practices and identify innovative methods to communicate with, persuade, engage, and inspire targeted audiences. This position will coach and train Health Equity Division staff, leadership, and partners to strengthen their own communication skills. 

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. 

This position is temporary in nature and has an anticipated end date of 10/28/2028. Due to the temporary nature, the position could be ended at any time. 

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience in strategic communications planning, writing and publishing various print and electronic communications materials in a public health, community health, healthcare or legislative setting. Experience must include the following: 

• Experience working with a diverse range of communities, including but limited to, communities of color, American Indian communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and disability communities. 
• Experience developing social media strategies and content on platforms where key stakeholders have a significant presence, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. 

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview: 

• Experience and demonstrated skill in strategic communications planning, including change management and emergency response, especially in healthcare and/or legislative setting. 
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications, SharePoint, and Microsoft software including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 
• Experience developing strategies to engage the public and sharing content via public facing websites. 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of plain language and healthcare accessibility standards. 
• Excellent written and oral skills, including editing written work and developing presentations. 

Degree Equivalencies: 

A related doctoral degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience, a related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; a related bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and a related associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• General knowledge about Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, including its mission and core functions. 
• Experience designing and creating graphics and content that assists programs in communication complex information and processes. 
• Experience working in major healthcare, community-based services, or government agency. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of public health and the Minnesota Department of Health, including its vision and mission. 

Additional Requirements

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

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.

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.