Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator, State Program Admin Principal

Working Title: Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91564
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 01/28/2026
• Date Posted: 01/22/2026
• Closing Date: 02/04/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Health Department 
• Division/Unit: Health Improvement / Injury Prevention Mental Health-Substance Prevention Education 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: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• 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 is seeking a passionate and experienced professional to lead statewide efforts in cannabis and substance use prevention, education, harm reduction, and recovery. This position will collaborate with communities disproportionately affected by substance use to develop and implement strategies that reduce disparities and promote health equity.  

Primary responsibilities include:

• Coordinate prevention and recovery initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to agencies and organizations across the state and strengthening partnerships with diverse communities.
• Support statewide policy and program development
• Testify as a technical expert in legislative and public forums 
• Advance the integration of substance use prevention and recovery efforts within the department and among state partners.  

This position requires a high degree of autonomy, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to synthesize new information to drive program and policy actions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of substance use prevention and recovery, as well as a commitment to community engagement and equity-focused public health strategies.

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 public health substance use prevention, harm reduction, or recovery programming/prevention. Experience must include each of the following:

• Experience with behavior-change strategies, social marketing, and public health education methods.
• Experience setting program goals, managing budgets, and assessing policy issues related to substance use prevention.
• Experience testifying in legislative or public forums as a subject matter expert.
• Experience in community engagement, particularly with diverse populations in Minnesota.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview phase: 

• Strong analytical skills to interpret quantitative and qualitative data, research, and surveillance methods.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills to collaborate with partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state and federal policies related to substance use, harm reduction, and public health.
• Understanding of Minnesota’s local public health system and substance misuse disparities.
• Strong understanding of health equity principles and strategies to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in substance use.

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

• Master’s degree in public health, social work, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience providing technical assistance, training, or consultation to organizations and community groups.
• Experience leading multi-sector collaborations or coalitions to address public health issues.
• Familiarity with data collection, evaluation methods, and using data to inform policy and programming.

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 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.