Working Title: System Innovation Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 94735
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously
Date Posted : 06/06/2026
Closing Date : 06/12/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Public Health Strategy and Partnership (PHSP) / System Performance Planning
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota 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.
Join the Minnesota Department of Health as a Public Health System Innovation Specialist, where you'll lead efforts to transform and strengthen the state's public health system through innovative pilot projects, service models, and system-wide innovations. You will synthesize lessons learned, research successful practices from other states, and facilitate a learning environment that promotes continuous improvement and foster collaboration among local public health departments, tribal nations and community partners.
Key Responsibilities include:
Design, facilitate, and evaluate pilot projects and system innovations to advance Minnesota's public health system.
Synthesize and communicate learning from Minnesota's public health innovations and research successful approaches from other states to inform system transformation efforts.
Lead planning, facilitation, and reporting for public health system transformation initiatives, including engaging diverse stakeholders.
Provide thought leadership on governmental public health system innovations and create a learning environment with partners through coaching and other methods.
I n accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% teleworking 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-o ffi ce 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 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
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Three (3) years of experience managing complex public health projects, and overseeing funding cycles including experience in:
Designing and facilitating collaborative meetings or work groups.
Overseeing or monitoring at least two public health funding cycles.
Producing reports and communications materials.
Public health systems and health equity issues.
Qualification to be assessed at interview:
Experience synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Skill in managing multiple projects and stakeholders.
Knowledge of public health system innovations and funding mechanisms
Commitment to health equity and experience incorporating equity considerations into projects.
Experience in complex system's change efforts including utilizing influence, community organizing principles and strategies to move collaborators on a spectrum of investment and excellent relationship building skills.
A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Five or more years of experience leading public health system transformation projects at the state or local level, with documented successful outcomes.
Experience managing or facilitating funding processes for public health innovation projects in multiple jurisdictions.
Experience working with Minnesota's public health infrastructure, tribal health systems, and health equity initiatives.
Published research or reports on public health innovations or system reforms, with at least one peer-reviewed publication or policy report.
Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with tribal, community, and governmental partners.
Experience in developing and managing grants in accordance with state and agency requirements.
Data analytics and qualitative research experience.
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.
