Communications Manager - Communications Specialist 3

Communications Manager – Communications Specialist 3
Working Title: Communications Manager - Communications Specialist 3
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: Health Department

Job ID : 94603

Location : St. Paul

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 06/25/2026.

Date Posted : 06/19/2026

Closing Date : 07/02/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Division/Unit : Health Policy / Center for Health Care Affordability

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : Yes - Up to 10% of the time

Salary Range : $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

Job Summary
Help shape the conversation around one of Minnesota’s most important public policy challenges: health care affordability. The Communications Specialist will lead strategic communications efforts for the Minnesota Department of Health’s Center for Health Care Affordability, translating complex research and policy issues into clear, compelling messages that inform policymakers, stakeholders, the media, and the public. The role serves as a trusted communications advisor to Center leadership and plays a key role in advancing understanding of health care affordability challenges and potential policy solutions across the state.

Key Primary Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan that promotes the Center’s priorities, research, policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Create and manage high-quality communications content across multiple platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, reports, presentations, and other public-facing materials.

Translate complex health policy, economic, and research information into accessible, audience-focused communications for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

Serve as trusted Communications advisor to Center leadership. Provide counsel on messaging, positioning, media interactions, legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, and public presentations.

Build public awareness and trust by ensuring communications are accurate, transparent, timely, and aligned with agency goals while navigating complex and often high‑profile policy issues.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience in communications or public relations that includes 2/3 of the following:

Experience writing and editing content for multiple audiences and formats, such as websites, newsletters, reports, presentations, social media, or media materials.

Experience managing digital communications channels, such as websites, social media platforms, email communications, or online publications.

Experience developing communication materials for executive leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, or external partners.

A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Health, Public Policy, Health Administration, Political Science or a closely related field may count towards professional experience as follows:

Associates = 6 months.

Masters = 18 months.

PhD = 24 months.

Minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

Experience supporting public-facing initiatives that required strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, or public outreach.

Experience using data, research findings, or analytics to develop communications products or inform communications strategies.

Experience creating communications strategies and leading communications projects involving multiple partners, colleagues, teams, or stakeholders.

Experience anticipating issues to be addressed in communication strategies and developing communication materials.

Experience in translating technical concepts into clear communications for different audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in communicating topics related to health care, health policy, public health, health economics, insurance, or a related field.

Experience developing communications related to public policy initiatives, legislative issues, or government programs, especially under tight timelines.

Demonstrated experience preparing executives or senior leaders for media interviews, legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, or public presentations.

Experience with effectively creating visual communications products, including presentations, infographics, dashboards, charts, or other data visualizations.

Knowledge and experience measuring and evaluating communication effectiveness and using results to improve future communications efforts.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

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.

This agency is unable to offer H‑1B sponsorship.

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

Training and Professional Development

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.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
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 encourage 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.

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