Working Title: Strategic Initiatives and Communications Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 91772
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered simultaneously.
Date Posted : 02/03/2026
Closing Date : 02/09/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health / Drinking Water Protection, Communications Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
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 (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.
Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking a Strategic Initiatives and Communications Planner to support the Drinking Water Protection Section. This role leads strategic planning, program evaluation, and communications efforts for the state's Source Water Protection Program and related initiatives. The position works closely with internal staff, public water systems, and local, state, and federal partners to advance drinking water protection and promote public health.
Primary Responsibilities:
Lead planning, evaluation, and reporting activities for the Source Water Protection Program, ensuring alignment with state policies, regulations, and performance metrics.
Develop, implement, and assess communications strategies, materials, and messaging to convey technical information and program outcomes to diverse audiences, including public water systems, partners, and the general public.
Serve as a primary liaison with internal teams, other state agencies, local governments, and external partners to advance program goals, foster collaboration, and address emerging drinking water issues.
Support educational initiatives and public engagement activities to increase awareness of source water protection practices and program objectives, ensuring materials meet accessibility and plain language standards.
Analyze program data, trends, and evaluation results to inform decision-making, policy recommendations, and continuous improvement of communications and program strategies.
This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. 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 program planning, strategic communications, or public health/environmental program coordination.
A Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental science, communications, planning, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master's degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies, including creating messaging, outreach materials, and visualizations for diverse audiences, preferably in public health or environmental programs.
Experience working with multiple internal and external partners, including state agencies, local governments, public water systems, or community organizations, to advance program goals and foster collaboration.
Experience planning and coordinating program activities, analyzing data, and applying findings to inform program improvement, policy development, or reporting for regulatory or funding purposes.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience applying public health or environmental planning principles to drinking water protection or source water programs.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations and guidance related to drinking water or environmental health programs.
Skill in analyzing program or scientific data and translating findings into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.
Experience managing complex projects, coordinating timelines, and implementing strategic initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
Ability to prepare and deliver professional written and oral communications, including presentations, reports, and educational materials.
Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, state and federal agencies, local governments, and community partners.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
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.
