Working Title: Communications Planner - Communications Specialist 3
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 97142
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Temporary - Anticipated to end 06/30/2027
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/23/2026
Closing Date : 10/06/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Office of American Indian Health / Operations Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
End Date : June 30, 2027
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 Communications Planner serves the communications needs of the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations and its Tribal and urban American Indian partners by 1) coordinating and implementing communications activities in the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations, 2) providing expert technical advice to staff and partners regarding internal and external communications and messaging strategies, practices, and laws, and 3) developing training materials for the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations.
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 use best practices and identify innovative methods to communicate with, persuade, engage, and inspire target audiences. This position will provide support to Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations staff, leadership, and partners to strengthen their own communication skills.
This position will be responsible for developing templates and training materials to support the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations strategic plan, provide web updates, and draft stories to be shared using tools such as web, GovDelivery, SharePoint, Smartsheet, social media, Microsoft Teams, and more.
This position is temporary in nature and could be ended at any time. The anticipated end date is June 30, 2027.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in communications planning, writing, and publishing various forms of print and electronic communications in a program such as public health, community health, or another closely related program. Experience must include three (3) of the following:
Experience working with American Indian/Tribal communities.
Experience working with a diverse range of communities, including, but not limited to, communities of color, Tribal and urban American Indian communities, LGBTQ communities, and disability communities to advance health equity.
Experience and demonstrated skill in strategic communications planning, including change management and emergency response.
Experience working in a major healthcare system, community-based services, or government agency.
Experience developing social media strategies and content on platforms where key stakeholders have a significant presence.
Experience developing strategies to engage the public and sharing content via public facing websites.
Degree Equivalencies:
A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate may substitute for two (2) years of experience. A master's degree or JD may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Extensive experience working with American Indian/Tribal communities as it relates to advancing health equity.
Advanced knowledge of techniques and best practices in storytelling, campaign development, social marketing, and/or evaluating communication initiatives.
General knowledge of the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations, including its mission and core functions.
Experience and demonstrated skill in strategic communications planning, including change management and emergency response.
Experience working in a major healthcare system, community-based services, or government agency.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
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.
