Statewide Harm Reduction Systems Administrator, State Program Admin Principal

Working Title: Statewide Harm Reduction Systems Administrator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 96130
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 8/18/2026.
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency: MN Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Improvement / Injury Prevention and Mental Health - Over Dose 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: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• 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.

This position provides statewide leadership, coordination, and technical assistance for statewide systems-level overdose prevention efforts within the Overdose Prevention Unit, with a focus on overdose prevention systems, Overdose Fatality Reviews, Recovery Friendly Workplaces, and coordination with state and community partners to support naloxone access and overdose prevention infrastructure. The position works across public health, healthcare, community-based, recovery, and public safety systems to strengthen statewide overdose prevention coordination, improve access to life-saving resources, and support implementation of state and federally funded overdose prevention initiatives.

In collaboration with the division grants and contracts coordinator and finance coordinator, the position supports unit-wide grant coordination infrastructure and operational grant management processes. Responsibilities include coordination of grant monitoring activities, technical assistance, onboarding and training support, grant management documentation systems, site visit coordination, and implementation of grant administration standards to support consistency, accountability, compliance, and continuous quality improvement across overdose prevention grants and contracts.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead grant contract management and oversight for assigned overdose prevention grants and contracts.
• Coordinate grant management systems, training, and unit practices.
• Lead statewide sustainability and coordination efforts related to naloxone access technical assistance, standing order coordination, Recovery Friendly Workplace initiatives, strategic linkage-to-care activities, overdose prevention systems, and workforce stabilization efforts requiring cross-sector collaboration.
• Manage grant and contract development, administration, compliance, and sustainability activities for assigned overdose prevention initiatives.

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

Three (3) years of experience in public health, healthcare, government, nonprofit, grants management, program administration, project management, or a related field that includes all of the following:

• Experience managing grants, contracts, or other funded programs, including monitoring budgets, invoices, work plans, deliverables, reporting requirements, and compliance with applicable state, federal, or organizational requirements.
• Experience coordinating or leading complex projects, programs, or initiatives, including implementation planning, developing processes or guidance, tracking progress, and ensuring project goals and timelines are met.
• Experience providing consultation, technical assistance, or program support to internal or external stakeholders on program implementation, grant administration, policy, compliance, or operational practices.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational, community, or public health initiatives.
• Experience evaluating program, operational, or compliance issues and implementing process improvements or corrective actions to strengthen program effectiveness, accountability, or continuous quality improvement.

A related degree in public health, public administration, business administration, health administration, healthcare administration, nonprofit management, project management, public policy, health sciences, community health, social work, human services, or another closely related field will substitute for experience as follows:

• Doctorate or J.D. may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• A master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
• A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• An associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals and advance complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly, provide technical assistance, facilitate meetings, and engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, balance competing deadlines, and adapt to changing program needs while maintaining high-quality work.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical, strategic solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing federal or state public health grants or contracts, including grant development, fiscal monitoring, compliance, reporting, and technical assistance.
• Experience working in substance use prevention, overdose prevention, harm reduction, recovery, behavioral health, or another closely related public health program area.
• Experience leading or coordinating statewide, regional, or cross-sector initiatives involving public health agencies, healthcare systems, Tribal governments, community-based organizations, employers, or other external partners.
• Experience developing or implementing systems-level improvements, policies, strategic initiatives, or continuous quality improvement efforts that strengthened programs, partnerships, or service delivery.
• Experience developing, writing, or contributing to competitive state or federal grant applications, continuation applications, funding proposals, or other grant related funding requests.

Additional Requirements

• 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 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.