Strategic Initiatives & Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3

Working Title: Strategic Initiatives & Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 93843
• 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: 04/29/2026
• Closing Date: 05/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / EH DWP Comms & Strat Init Staf
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• 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.

The Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) Environmental Health Division is looking for a Strategic Initiatives and Communications Coordinator to join its Drinking Water Protection (DWP) section. In this role, you will provide the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section with program planning, analysis, and coordination of strategic initiatives and communication activities related to public drinking water. This position provides expertise in project management, outreach and education, and risk communication to promote greater awareness and understanding of drinking water quality and health among community water systems and their customers. This position will lead and evaluate projects to ensure key messages are delivered to target audiences and provide technical assistance to colleagues and other units of government in development of public health messaging.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead planning, organization, and project management of outreach activities with staff and partner organizations to meet and educational goals for the statewide drinking water program.
• Plan and facilitate communication throughout the section and with partners to promote information sharing, collaboration, and review across technical and programmatic areas as well as emerging drinking water issues. 
• Identify communications needs and develop informational content and messaging to promote understanding of drinking water issues and health-promoting decisions and behaviors. 
• Professional development and training.

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 or in a bordering state within 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.

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 related 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

• Three years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Experience planning and implementing outreach activities to promote community education while maintaining effective ongoing relationships with the public, key partners, interest groups, and department staff.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Writing skills sufficient to prepare and review clear, plain language content that may involve complex, technical information and sensitive issues. 
• Communication skills sufficient to present plans and data, facilitate discussions, build consensus, and communicate technical and sensitive issues to a variety of audiences in a variety of formats.
• Project skills sufficient to identify priorities and coordinate activities with internal and external partners so that essential work is completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

A bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree may substitute for one (1) year, eighteen (18) months, or two (2) years of professional experience, respectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to effectively draft and communicate messages to various audiences and competency in risk communication.
• Experience with computer software for presentations, communications products, graphics, spreadsheets, data analysis, and/or data visualization. 
• Experience working with graphic skills to develop basic icons, infographics, flow charts, info sheets, and presentations. 
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills sufficient to evaluate program information, summarize and visualize data, and report analysis findings. 
• Knowledge of practices and principals of environmental health program planning (e.g., the relationship between assessment, policy and planning, and assurance) and core public health functions.

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.

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 Megan Baer at megan.baer@state.mn.us 

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 Megan Baer at megan.baer@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.