Health Equity Strategic Communications Lead - Communications Specialist 4

Job Details

Working Title: Health Equity Strategic Communications Lead - Communications Specialist 4
Job Class: Communications Specialist 4
Agency: Health Department

Job ID: 89491

Location: St. Paul

Telework Eligible: Yes - Hybrid

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.

Date Posted: 10/30/2025

Closing Date: 11/05/2025

Hiring Agency: Health Department

Division/Unit: Health Equity Strategy and Innovation/ Health Equity Communications Staff

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 am - 4:30 pm

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time

Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees/MAPE

FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

The Strategic Communications Lead for the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division will provide high-level expertise, guidance, and services to Health Equity Division leadership and staff in the areas of communications strategy and planning, message development, outreach, media relations, and crisis communication. It includes day-to-day coordination and oversight of the communications and outreach activities for the Health Equity Division, as well as supporting equity related agency-wide and cross-cutting communications initiatives. Under this position’s purview fall high-priority, health equity visibility issues that have major implications for the communities served by Health Equity Division’s work.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and evaluate a Health Equity Division strategic communications plan that identifies communications priorities and needs as well as ongoing and evolving strategies to effectively communicate with key stakeholder groups.
• Serve as an expert on communications strategy for issues involving the news media, with a focus on media relations strategy, planning, execution, evaluation, and operations, including providing consultation and advice to Health Equity Division leadership in close collaboration with Communications Supervisor and Health Equity Bureau Public Information Officer.
• Develop messaging and tactics for communicating about high-profile equity related issues. Provide consultation, guidance, and technical support to MDH divisions in their effort to advance equity in public health communication.
• Review communications materials and content developed by Health Equity Division staff to ensure quality, consistency, and equity.
• Revise, update, and increase use and visibility of Health Equity Division webpages.
• Perform other media and communications duties as assigned.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office must work in-office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees who reside more than 50 miles of the office in Minnesota or in counties bordering Minnesota in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota may telework more with division director approval.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications must be clearly indicated in the applicant’s resume/application to be considered for this position:

Four (4) years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations. Experience to include the following:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communication plan.
• Experience in coordinating and leading communications efforts across different teams or divisions.

Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview:

• Proficiency in communications planning, message development, and media relations strategies.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with experience in creating content for various platforms including press releases, web content, and social media.
• Ability to work in diverse settings and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.

Degree Equivalencies

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

• Experience working in a government or public sector environment.
• Familiarity with crisis communication strategies and experience handling high-profile, sensitive issues.
• Experience managing large-scale communications projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, timeline management, and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to health communication, public health policy, and health equity.
• Experience working and communicating with diverse communities including populations of color, American Indians, people living with disabilities, people with Limited English Proficiency, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Additional Requirements

Successful completion of employment reference checks.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.