Working Title: Health Equity Communications Specialist - Communications Specialist 3
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 92126
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Temporary / Anticipated to end 10/28/2028.
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/11/2026
Closing Date : 02/17/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Health Equity Strategy and Innovation / Health Equity Communications Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 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 : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
End Date : 10/28/2028
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 Health Equity Communications Specialist serves the communications needs of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and its state, local, and community partners by coordinating and implementing communication activities in the Health Equity Division, providing expert technical advice to staff and partners regarding internal and external communications and messaging, strategies, practices, and laws, and serving as the communications accessibility coordinator for the Health Equity Division.
This position will serve as a communications expert integrating health equity, plain language, cross-cultural communication, and digital accessibility into planning and implementation. The position will utilize best practices and identify innovative methods to communicate with, persuade, engage, and inspire targeted audiences. This position will coach and train Health Equity Division staff, leadership, and partners to strengthen their own communication skills.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) , 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.
This position is temporary in nature and has an anticipated end date of 10/28/2028. Due to the temporary nature, the position could be ended at any time.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in strategic communications planning, writing and publishing various print and electronic communications materials in a public health, community health, healthcare or legislative setting. Experience must include the following:
Experience working with a diverse range of communities, including but limited to, communities of color, American Indian communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and disability communities.
Experience developing social media strategies and content on platforms where key stakeholders have a significant presence, such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:
Experience and demonstrated skill in strategic communications planning, including change management and emergency response, especially in healthcare and/or legislative setting.
Skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications, SharePoint, and Microsoft software including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Experience developing strategies to engage the public and sharing content via public facing websites.
Demonstrated working knowledge of plain language and healthcare accessibility standards.
Excellent written and oral skills, including editing written work and developing presentations.
Degree Equivalencies:
A related doctoral 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
General knowledge about Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, including its mission and core functions.
Experience designing and creating graphics and content that assists programs in communication complex information and processes.
Experience working in major healthcare, community-based services, or government agency.
Demonstrated knowledge of public health and the Minnesota Department of Health, including its vision and mission.
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.
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.
