Policy and Systems Manager - Admin Officer

Working Title: Policy and Systems Manager - Admin Officer
Job Class: Administrative Officer
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91793
• 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: 01/31/2026
• Closing Date: 02/20/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division: Office of African American Health 
• 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: $34.66 - $50.52 / hourly; $72,370 - $105,485 / 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 Policy and Systems Manager will lead the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of policy and systems-level initiatives for the Office of African American Health (OAAH). This position serves as the policy coordinator for OAAH, and the primary legislative and policy lead between OAAH and the African American Health State Advisory Council (AAHSAC). This role supports statutory responsibilities, advisory council coordination, legislative priorities, and reporting requirements. The role advances the Office’s legislative mandate to identify and address systemic barriers contributing to health disparities impacting the health of African Americans in Minnesota. This will be accomplished by translating community-identified priorities, advisory council recommendations, legislative direction, and data-informed insights into actionable policy proposals and cross-sector systems-change strategies across key sectors including public health, health care, environment, housing, education, employment, and criminal justice.

In addition, the Policy and Systems Manager will serve as the programmatic lead for the African American Health and Wellbeing Programs Collective, an internal MDH collaborative initiative focused on mitigating identified health disparities affecting African American communities statewide through the alignment of policy, data, program priorities, outreach and engagement efforts. In this capacity, the position convenes and coordinates internal MDH programs, supports shared planning and collaboration, and integrates policy and systems thinking across programs, grantmaking, data, partner engagement, advisory processes, and legislative priorities. The role also provides coordination and technical support to local public health partners to strengthen policy implementation and systems alignment at the community level, advancing culturally responsive, equity-centered, and sustainable improvements in health and wellbeing for African American Minnesotans.

The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state. 

Minimum Qualifications

The applicant’s resume/application must clearly demonstrate the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this position. 

Two (2) years of experience in policy development, systems-change strategy, or legislative analysis in a government, public health, or community setting focused on advancing health equity or improving outcomes for African American populations. Experience must include the following: 

• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations, advisory councils, and/or advocacy coalitions to co-create policy solutions that reflect lived experience and community priorities. 
• Demonstrated leadership in one of the following: 
  • Experience as a supervisor, lead workers, team lead, project lead; 
  • Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g., ELI, L4, Everyday Leaders);
  • 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 as an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must include: 1+ years identifying issues, goals and strategic actions, AND 100+ hour/year time commitment. 

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview: 

• Experience designing, advancing, and implementing policy and system-change strategies in response to health disparities, systemic inequities, or legislative directives. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy briefs, white papers, legislative reports, and strategic recommendations tailored to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, agency staff, and community leaders. 
• Familiarity with state and local government systems, including legislative processes, administrative rules, and interagency coordination. 
• Proven ability to work across sectors such as healthcare, housing, education, criminal justice, environment, and economic development to support comprehensive systems transformation. 

Degree Equivalencies 

A related doctorate 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

• Knowledge of Minnesota’s legislative landscape, public health system, and MDH priorities and structures. 
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across lines of difference, build trust, and sustain collaborative partnerships. 
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder working groups, interagency teams, or cross-functional policy initiatives in dynamic and politically sensitive environments. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into culturally relevant, actionable content. 
• Strong knowledge of structural and historical determinants of African American health and the ability to apply equity and public health frameworks to policy analysis and systems design. 

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.

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.