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 (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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
