Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator - Communications Specialist

Working Title: Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Job Class: Communications Specialist 2

Agency: Health Department

Job ID : 97837

Location : St. Paul

Telework Eligible : Yes

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 10/28/2026.

Date Posted : 10/22/2026

Closing Date : 11/04/2026

Hiring Agency : Health Department

Division : Environmental Health

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

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

Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly

Bargaining Unit : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

FLSA Status : Nonexempt

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/)

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.

Join the mission-driven team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in the Environmental Health (EH) Division, and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans!

This position plans, coordinates, and evaluates communication activities for the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section within EH. The employee is responsible for planning and developing drinking water communications materials for noncommunity public water system (NPWS) owners and operators and coordinating public health and regulatory messaging across the Noncommunity Unit, Drinking Water Protection Section, and Environmental Health Division. The incumbent also supports outreach activities for the DWP Section and works with internal and external partners on communications and outreach related to drinking water and public health.

Working as the Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator you will:

Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate education plans and materials to assist in maintaining compliance with MN laws and rules, and to support ongoing, consistent education and training for Unit staff and delegated local programs.

Develop processes and materials to help ensure that noncommunity water systems provide consistent, complete information to consumers as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Support other communications, educational, and outreach activities to meet Drinking Water Protection program needs, including activities that extend beyond the Section to contribute to Division or Agency-wide efforts.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) , 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. 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.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1STEM 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.

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.

Two (2) years of experience performing communications work in a nonprofit, public health, or other government setting, including at least two of the following:

Developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating education materials and programs.

Developing compliance and regulation centered communications.

Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Performing outreach activities.

Qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

Knowledge relating to principles of effective communication for a variety of audiences and communication channels, including the areas of plain language, messaging, writing and editing, and digital communication.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage projects of varying sizes and turnaround times.

Interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain working relationships and partnerships.

Knowledge of public health concepts, including drinking water protection.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or advanced degree in communications, public relations, or related field.

Familiarity with environmental science or environmental public health.

Experience performing communications functions related to water protection.

Experience working in a public health setting.

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

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.

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