Working Title: Communications Liaison for Aging and Disability Services Administration
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 95512
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 07/14/2026
Closing Date : 07/20/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit : Department of Human Services (DHS) / Program Area Communications
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,399 - $113,274 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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 Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
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 position is eligible for telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services Office of Communications seeks a senior-level communications professional to serve as the Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) Communications Liaison, providing strategic communications leadership for programs and policies serving seniors and people with disabilities.
This role plays a critical advisory function, integrating communications strategy into executive decision-making, policy development and program implementation - particularly for Medicaid-funded services, including disability waiver programs.
As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, this position anticipates stakeholder response, manages reputational and operational risk and supports the successful rollout of complex, highly regulated initiatives. The role works closely with agency leadership, program experts and external partners to ensure communications are accurate, accessible and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Serve as a senior strategic communications advisor to executive leadership on Medicaid-funded disability and aging services.
Integrate communications planning into policy development, program implementation, legislative activity and public awareness and outreach.
Translate complex federal and state policy into clear, accessible communications for diverse audiences.
Lead integrated communications strategies across administrations, agencies and partners.
Represent the agency in communications with counties, Tribal governments, providers, advocacy organizations and other stakeholders.
Advise leadership during high-visibility, controversial or crisis situations affecting seniors and people with disabilities.
Guide and coordinate the work of communications staff, contractors and cross-functional teams.
Support outreach and change-management efforts related to long-term services and supports.
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 professional experience strategic communications, public affairs or government communications.
AND
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Support communications for federally funded programs and policy-driven program changes.
Translate policy or technical information into accessible communications.
Advise senior or executive leadership on communications strategy or public response to controversial issues.
Coordinate work with others, including staff, contractors or cross-functional teams.
Develop executive-level speeches, briefings, talking points or public-facing materials.
Work with external stakeholders such as government partners, advocacy organizations, service providers or the media.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in public affairs, journalism, public administration, public policy, health policy, communications or a related field.
Experience communicating about human services programs, including highly regulated or publicly scrutinized services.
Direct experience with Medicaid disability waiver services.
Experience supporting communications for aging services, long-term services and supports or disability service systems.
Demonstrated leadership in integrated communications strategies.
Crisis or risk communications experience, particularly related to service disruptions or impacts to vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communications practices, including plain language, ADA considerations and culturally responsive communication.
Experience developing and leading public education or outreach campaigns related to health or human services programs.
Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with legislative processes, budget development and communications supporting policy proposals or statutory changes.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.
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.
