Aging and Disability Services Administration / Communications Specialist 4

Minnesota Careers

Saint Paul, MN

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$36.59–$54.25 Per Hour
SKILLS
Ada Programming Language, Aged Care, Budget Management, Campaigns, Childcare, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Diabetes, Disability Accommodations, Diversity, Employee Benefits, Government, Health Insurance, Human Health, Journalism, Leadership, Legal, Life Insurance, Medicaid, Ofcom, Operational Support, Operations Management, Orthodontics, Policy Development, Prescription Drugs, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Improvement, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Health, Public Policy, Retirement Plan, Risk, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Tuition Reimbursement, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Saint Paul, MN
POSTED
Today

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Job Details

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 : 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.

Job Summary

**This position is eligible forteleworkfor 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.
Qualifications

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.

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 .

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Jon Wittman at jonathan.wittman@state.mn.us .

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 Alex Duren at Alexander.Duren@state.mn.us .

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services' ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 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.

About the Company

M

Minnesota Careers