Systems Improvement Planner, Planner Principal State

Working Title: Systems Improvement Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 94497
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/28/2026
• Closing Date: 06/10/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Improvement / Health Promotion and Chronic Disease, Center for Health Promotion Cardiovascular Health Stroke Staff
• 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
• Job Class Option: Health Promotion
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• 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.

This is a temporary position that may last up to three (3) years.

Join a mission-driven team working to improve cardiovascular and stroke outcomes across Minnesota. This position leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of statewide quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing health inequities and improving access to high-quality care and community supports. The role partners with healthcare systems, community organizations, and statewide stakeholders to develop innovative strategies that strengthen cardiovascular and stroke prevention efforts, connect individuals to resources, and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

This position provides statewide leadership for clinical and community-based cardiovascular and stroke initiatives aligned with funded grants, the Minnesota 2035 Plan, and agency priorities. Responsibilities include leading quality improvement projects, coordinating education and outreach efforts, managing grants and recognition programs, and providing technical assistance to clinics and hospitals to support evidence-based improvements in care.

Working collaboratively within the Cardiovascular Health Unit and MDH Stroke Program, this role helps bridge clinical and community strategies to advance prevention, wellness, and quality care statewide. The position partners with a broad network of stakeholders, including healthcare providers and administrators, hospital stroke teams, community organizations, statewide partners, and national organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Primary responsibilities include:

1. Coordinate efforts to integrate quality improvement strategies and approaches (Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA cycles) into projects that focus on improving clinical practices and systems to deliver quality and comprehensive cardiovascular and stroke care.
2. Provide vision, leadership, facilitation, and consultation for the implementation and evaluation of identified strategies that advance the 2035 State Plan and CDC grant objectives, in collaboration with hospitals, EMS, healthcare systems, community partners, and other key stakeholders across the stroke continuum of care.
3. Maintain a high degree of scientific knowledge about clinical health care systems, patient treatment and education standards, and professional/education training for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other chronic conditions.

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. 

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 (3) years of experience leading or supporting public health, healthcare quality improvement, or community health initiatives. Experience must include each of the following:

• Coordinating or implementing quality improvement, systems improvement, or process improvement initiatives within healthcare, public health, or community-based settings.
• Managing projects, grants, contracts, or initiatives involving internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare systems, community organizations, or public health partners.
• Working with cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic disease prevention, health equity, or related clinical/community health initiatives.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at interview: 

• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organizations, public health partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Communication and facilitation skills sufficient to present information, provide technical assistance, lead discussions, and engage professional and community audiences.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple priorities independently, including organizing projects, coordinating activities, and adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity and community engagement, including experience working effectively with diverse, underserved, or disproportionately impacted populations.

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

• Advanced degree in public health, healthcare administration, nursing, social work, community health, or a related field.
• Experience developing, implementing, or evaluating healthcare quality improvement initiatives related to cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic disease prevention, or population health.
• Experience providing technical assistance, training, or consultation to healthcare professionals, health systems, community organizations, or multidisciplinary partners.
• Experience leading or supporting statewide, cross-sector, or multi-partner initiatives involving healthcare systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations, or health equity-focused partnerships.

Additional Requirements

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