Working Title: Health Equity Strategic Communications Lead - Communications Specialist 4
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 89491
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 : 10/30/2025
Closing Date : 11/05/2025
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Health Equity Strategy and Innovation/ Health Equity Communications Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 am - 4:30 pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Strategic Communications Lead for the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division will provide high-level expertise, guidance, and services to Health Equity Division leadership and staff in the areas of communications strategy and planning, message development, outreach, media relations, and crisis communication. It includes day-to-day coordination and oversight of the communications and outreach activities for the Health Equity Division, as well as supporting equity related agency-wide and cross-cutting communications initiatives. Under this position's purview fall high-priority, health equity visibility issues that have major implications for the communities served by Health Equity Division's work.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop, maintain, and evaluate a Health Equity Division strategic communications plan that identifies communications priorities and needs as well as ongoing and evolving strategies to effectively communicate with key stakeholder groups.
Serve as an expert on communications strategy for issues involving the news media, with a focus on media relations strategy, planning, execution, evaluation, and operations, including providing consultation and advice to Health Equity Division leadership in close collaboration with Communications Supervisor and Health Equity Bureau Public Information Officer.
Develop messaging and tactics for communicating about high-profile equity related issues. Provide consultation, guidance, and technical support to MDH divisions in their effort to advance equity in public health communication.
Review communications materials and content developed by Health Equity Division staff to ensure quality, consistency, and equity.
Revise, update, and increase use and visibility of Health Equity Division webpages.
Perform other media and communications duties as assigned.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office must work in-office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees who reside more than 50 miles of the office in Minnesota or in counties bordering Minnesota in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota may telework more with division director approval.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly indicated in the applicant's resume/application to be considered for this position:
Four (4) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations. Experience to include the following:
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communication plan.
Experience in coordinating and leading communications efforts across different teams or divisions.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
Proficiency in communications planning, message development, and media relations strategies.
Strong writing and editing skills, with experience in creating content for various platforms including press releases, web content, and social media.
Ability to work in diverse settings and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
Degree Equivalencies
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
Experience working in a government or public sector environment.
Familiarity with crisis communication strategies and experience handling high-profile, sensitive issues.
Experience managing large-scale communications projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, timeline management, and resource allocation.
Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to health communication, public health policy, and health equity.
Experience working and communicating with diverse communities including populations of color, American Indians, people living with disabilities, people with Limited English Proficiency, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Additional Requirements
Successful completion of employment reference checks.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
