Substance Misuse Prevention Section Manager - State Program Administrator Manager Principal

Working Title: Substance Misuse Prevention Section Manager - State Program Administrator Manager Principal
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 92003
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/06/2026
• Closing Date: 02/26/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division/Unit: Injury Prevention and Mental Health Division / Substance Misuse Prevention Section 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / 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 Substance Misuse Prevention Section Manager will set strategic direction for and manage the Substance Misuse Prevention Section (SMPS) in the Injury Prevention and Mental Health Division. This position leads development of agency policy analysis, program development, implementation and investment responses on the continuum of care for substance use and misuse epidemiology and prevention in Minnesota. The incumbent will represent the agency with the legislature, governor’s office, other state agencies and industry on these issues. Additionally, this position will oversee a large and complex budget, lead a 45+ person section, manage a broad portfolio of grant programs, write competitive grant applications, and lead and design epidemiologic studies and programs that assess the incidence, prevalence, and preventability of substance use and misuse. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide vision, direction, and leadership for statewide substance use and misuse prevention programs, policies, and organizational practices that serve all Minnesotans. 
• Provide supervisory, administrative, and operational direction for supervisors in the Substance Misuse Prevention Section to ensure that program objectives are achieved.
• Provide leadership and direction for policy and programs on substance use and misuse epidemiology and prevention for Minnesota, fostering particular attention on disparities and underserved populations. 
• Manage the section’s budget of approximately $30 million per year, including state and federal appropriations, and federal and private grant funding. Plan and monitor spending from more than 10 different funding sources. 
• Manage the program administration, operations, human and other resources of the program so that the goals of the department are met efficiently and effectively. 

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. 

Minimum Qualifications

The candidate must clearly demonstrate the minimum qualifications listed below on their resume/application to be considered for this position. 

Four (4) years of experience leading  and managing a public health or human services program in the field of epidemiology and/or substance use/misuse prevention. Experience must include the following: 

• Experience representing an organization at meetings/hearings with legislative committees, key stakeholders, various governmental agencies and/or community based organizations.
• Experience in program planning, grant management, policy analysis and data analysis. 
• Experience working with data, information, and practices around substance use, misuse, and co-morbidities that are associated with substance use and misuse. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience 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: 

• Knowledge of legislative processes, procedural and political, sufficient to direct budgetary preparation and administration of appropriate funds, and to responds to requests from legislators.
• Knowledge of the various non-governmental health-related groups in Minnesota such as professional associations, community groups, managed care organizations, business and health industry organizations, and special interest groups. 
• Experience working with people with lived experience and the ability to balance community-informed practice with evidence-based strategies. 
• Knowledge of project administration sufficient to manage a complex state agency responsibility, analyze cost-benefit considerations, design, plan, establish time and cost controls, monitor progress and evaluate project results. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative work with people from varying professional fields. 

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

• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Public Health Administration, Epidemiology, Policy or another related field of study. 
• Advanced analysis skill sufficient to conduct public policy and program analysis, management analysis or fiscal analysis for complex policy and program issues, and to oversee analytical projects involving multiple data sources.
• Human relations sufficient to build networks of colleagues across state and local agencies; to effectively persuade agency leadership, and program recipients and stakeholders; and to deal effectively with complex and often competing relationships and political agendas on a statewide or national level. 
• Negotiation and mediation skills sufficient to resolve differences between competing or different positions and to influence the endorsement, acceptance and priority for agency positions and policy.  

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.