Office of African American Health Division Director - Health Assistant Division Director

Working Title: Office of African American Health Division Director - Health Assistant Division Director
Job Class: Health Assistant Division Director
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 96320
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/14/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division/Unit: Office of African American Health (OAAH) / OAAH Division Director 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented 
• 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.

The Director of African American Health will lead the Office of African American Health (OAAH) to create and implement a strategic plan for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to improve its capacity to advance African American health through collaboration and strategy. The long-standing and systematic nature of the problems, with which this position is concerned, requires a deep appreciation for African American health disparities, including the effects of historical and concurrent oppression on health outcomes. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• Coordinate African American health equity and improvement activities across MDH Bureaus for African Americans through collaboration and education. 
• Develop and implement new strategies and activities to advance African American health and wellbeing, including securing funding for those activities through grant applications and state budget proposals. 
• Ensure ongoing staff development around African American health and health disparities. 
• Provide expert advice and facilitate decision-making processes through policy development and writing, intentional goal setting, and internal capacity building to advance African American health. 
• Lead the African American Health State Advisory Council. 
• Oversee the Office of African American Health grant making processes to community-based organizations. 
• Establish strong partnerships with Minnesota state enterprise leaders and other community stakeholders. 

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. 

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of progressive experience leading and managing a Health Equity program or program focused on African American Health. Experience must include the following: 

• Experience establishing relationships with and/or working with various stakeholders relating to African American Health. 
• Experience developing, managing, and overseeing budgetary functions, including grant and proposal writing. 
• Experience in policy development and oversight. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience in one of the following: 
  • Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, project lead;
  • Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4, Everyday Leaders, SEAL);
  • Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization; 
  • A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must include one (1) or more years identifying issues, goals and strategic actions, and a one hundred (100) or more hour per year commitment. 

Degree Equivalencies:

Fields of study may include programs such as: African American Studies, Social Justice Studies, Social Work, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Public Health, or another closely related fields.

A related Doctorate degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience; a related Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; a related Bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a related Associate degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A deep knowledge of African American history, slavery and discrimination and how those determinants impact African American Health disparities.
• Knowledge of methods to address the limitations of current data on African American health disparities. 
• Experience generating interest, commitment, and support for programs, policies and initiatives. 
• Experience coaching and mentoring leaders, managers and staff within an organization. 

Additional Requirements

• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it may require travel into the office, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. 
• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.   
• 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 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.

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.