Planner Principal State

Working Title: Planner Principal State
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94198
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously.
• Date Posted: 05/12/2026
• Closing Date: 05/18/2026
• Hiring Agency:  Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Public Health Strategy and Partnership (PHSP) / Capacity Development Units
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Job Class Option: Health
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) 
• End Date: 10/31/2027
• 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.

Join the Minnesota Department of Health’s Center for Public Health Practice as a vital team member dedicated to strengthening the state's public health system. This temporary position exists within PHP to develop systems and strategies that improve the capacity and performance of Minnesota’s governmental public health system—a partnership of state, local, and Tribal health departments. Your primary focus will be on increasing the adoption and application of performance management and quality improvement principles and practices. You will work with existing staff to provide expert support statewide to local and Tribal public health, including training, coaching, and consultation, ensuring they met statutory requirements (Minn. Stat. § 145A). You will also develop strategies to increase confidence and expertise of existing staff to provide technical assistance and support for performance management and quality improvement at the end of the appointed term of the position so that these efforts can be sustained into the future.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategies to enhance the unit’s capacity to provide performance management and quality improvement support across Minnesota’s public health system.
• Providing targeted training, coaching, and technical assistance to local, Tribal, and state health departments
• Collaborating with regional teams to design and evaluate plans to build the capacity of the statewide public health system to implement performance management and quality improvement 
• Supporting local jurisdictions in meeting statutory performance management requirements.
• Contributing to the development of tools, resources, and best practices to promote a culture of quality.
• Building and sustaining relationships with diverse public health partners to foster system-wide improvements.

Working closely with regional teams and leadership, you will develop strategic plans, deliver targeted training, and offer expert guidance to local and Tribal health departments—supporting their efforts to build resilient, high-performing public health agencies. Your work will directly contribute to system-wide improvements, ensuring Minnesota’s public health infrastructure can effectively meet national standards and statutory mandates. The incumbent will work internally to build existing staff capacity to provide others long-term assistance. 

This position is hybrid (telework based out of the new hires home office and their nearest MDH district office).  The location of this position will be determined by the top candidate.  MDH district office locations include St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls and Mankato. 

Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required.  Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

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 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

To facilitate proper 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.

Three (3) years of experience in Public Health, Public Administration, Health Sciences or related field, including:

• Experience with performance management, quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing and delivering training, coaching and technical assistance both in person and virtually.
• Experience analyzing public health data and systems, including the use of performance measurement tools and reporting.
• Experience leading or supporting performance management in a governmental public health setting.

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present to large groups.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver training, coaching, and technical assistance to diverse audiences, with a track record of engaging large groups.

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

• Experience working in a local, or Tribal health department.
• Master's degree in public health, Public Administration or related field.
• Knowledge of Minnesota's public health landscape, statutory requirements or foundational public health capabilities.
• Experience maintaining on-line resources, SharePoint sites, or educational materials.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of an 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 Kathleen Maertz at kathleen.maertz@state.mn.us or 651-201-5936.

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 Kathleen Maertz at kathleen.maertz@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.