Communications Planner - Communications Specialist 3

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Job Details

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: No

The work youll 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 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.

Qualifications

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 masters degree or JD may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A bachelors degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associates 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.

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.

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 Minnesotas 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, youll 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 <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for 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.