Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Director, State Prog Admin Principal

Working Title: Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94330
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid 50%
• 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 5/26/2026. 
• Date Posted: 05/20/2026
• Closing Date: 06/03/2026
• Hiring Agency Minnesota Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Improvement / Injury Prevention and Mental Health - Violence Prevention Unit
• 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
• Job Class Option: Injury and Violence Prevention
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
• 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.

Help lead Minnesota’s statewide efforts to prevent and respond to human trafficking and exploitation through strategic leadership, systems coordination, and meaningful community partnership. This highly visible position leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives addressing both sex and labor trafficking, including oversight of Safe Harbor programming for sexually exploited youth through age 24 and statewide labor trafficking response efforts serving individuals of all ages. The role offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful, survivor-centered work that influences policy, strengthens systems, and improves outcomes for communities across Minnesota.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a wide network of partners including survivors, community organizations, Tribal Nations, researchers, healthcare and public health professionals, educational institutions, law enforcement, judiciary and prosecutorial partners, local and federal governments, and other state agencies. This position provides leadership in advancing statewide strategies, developing and implementing long-term prevention and response initiatives, coordinating cross-system efforts, securing and managing state, federal, and private funding opportunities, and serving as a trusted technical expert before legislative committees and public forums. This role is ideal for a strategic and relationship-driven leader passionate about creating sustainable systems change and advancing Minnesota’s response to human trafficking and exploitation.

Primary responsibilities include: 

1. Oversees and provides technical support to the program grantees, including regional navigators, supportive services providers, and Tribal Nations, as well as professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
2. Oversees and manages work from team of individuals involved in state grant programs, data collection and evaluation, training, technical assistance, and additional federal, state, and private grant implementation and management as available.
3. Coordinates, identifies, collects, and disseminates human trafficking knowledge, including best practices in preventing and intervening with human trafficking survivors through broad statewide and national engagement.
4. Serves as communications point of contact of the Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Program.
5. Monitors and writes grant applications for state, federal, and private funding for antitrafficking efforts that may benefit and serve survivors in Minnesota.
6. Ongoing contractual, project, and program duties, including program evaluation, procurement, strategic planning, and other duties as assigned. 

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 further than 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. 

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities.

This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce, to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans. 

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience developing, implementing, or managing programs related to human trafficking, violence prevention, public health, victim services, criminal justice, or closely related social service programs. Experience must include each of the following:

• Experience leading or coordinating statewide, cross-system, multi-agency, or multidisciplinary initiatives involving public health, public safety, victim services, violence prevention, or related systems.
• Experience managing incoming state, federal, and/or private grant-funded programs, including program oversight, budget management, reporting, compliance, or implementation activities.
• Experience administering outgoing grants, contracts, or subawards, including monitoring grantee performance, reviewing deliverables, ensuring compliance, or managing funding processes.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with multiple stakeholders, such as community organizations, Tribal Nations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, or advocacy groups.
   

Minimum qualifications assessed at interview:

• Demonstrated ability to build trust, navigate complex or sensitive situations, and effectively facilitate collaboration among stakeholders with differing perspectives or priorities.
• Ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgment in complex, high-visibility, and evolving environments involving public policy, systems coordination, and trauma-informed responses.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to present complex or sensitive information clearly, lead difficult conversations, and adapt messaging for a variety of audiences such as legislators, service providers, leadership, and community partners.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, public administration, social work, criminal justice, law, or a closely related field.
• Experience working in human trafficking prevention and response, violence prevention, victim services, trauma-informed programming, or survivor-centered initiatives.
• Experience securing, managing, or expanding state, federal, or private funding opportunities, including grant writing, funding strategy, or resource development activities.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• Under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations, the successful candidate must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. This agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship.

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.