Strategic Initiatives and Communications Planner - Planner Principal State

Working Title: Strategic Initiatives and Communications Planner 
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91772
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered simultaneously. 
• Date Posted: 02/03/2026
• Closing Date: 02/09/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health / Drinking Water Protection, Communications Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• 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
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN 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.

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking a Strategic Initiatives and Communications Planner to support the Drinking Water Protection Section. This role leads strategic planning, program evaluation, and communications efforts for the state’s Source Water Protection Program and related initiatives. The position works closely with internal staff, public water systems, and local, state, and federal partners to advance drinking water protection and promote public health.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, evaluation, and reporting activities for the Source Water Protection Program, ensuring alignment with state policies, regulations, and performance metrics.
• Develop, implement, and assess communications strategies, materials, and messaging to convey technical information and program outcomes to diverse audiences, including public water systems, partners, and the general public.
• Serve as a primary liaison with internal teams, other state agencies, local governments, and external partners to advance program goals, foster collaboration, and address emerging drinking water issues.
• Support educational initiatives and public engagement activities to increase awareness of source water protection practices and program objectives, ensuring materials meet accessibility and plain language standards.
•  Analyze program data, trends, and evaluation results to inform decision-making, policy recommendations, and continuous improvement of communications and program strategies.

This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. 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

Three (3) years of experience in program planning, strategic communications, or public health/environmental program coordination.

A Bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, communications, planning, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master’s degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview: 

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies, including creating messaging, outreach materials, and visualizations for diverse audiences, preferably in public health or environmental programs.
• Experience working with multiple internal and external partners, including state agencies, local governments, public water systems, or community organizations, to advance program goals and foster collaboration.
• Experience planning and coordinating program activities, analyzing data, and applying findings to inform program improvement, policy development, or reporting for regulatory or funding purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying public health or environmental planning principles to drinking water protection or source water programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and guidance related to drinking water or environmental health programs.
• Skill in analyzing program or scientific data and translating findings into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing complex projects, coordinating timelines, and implementing strategic initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional written and oral communications, including presentations, reports, and educational materials.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, state and federal agencies, local governments, and community partners.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@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.