Working Title: Community Engagement Specialist Job Class: Planning Director State Agency: Health Department Job ID: 84234 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: o This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 03/05/2025. Date Posted: 02/27/2025 Closing Date: 03/11/2025 Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Division/Unit: Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (HPCD) / Community Engagement Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 50% Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) FLSA Status: Exempt - Admin 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
MDH is seeking a dynamic professional to lead community engagement initiatives that support health promotion and chronic disease prevention. This position will play a key role in strengthening partnerships across the agency, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance equity-driven public health initiatives.
Under the direction of the Community Health Worker Initiative (CHWI) and Community Engagement Director, the incumbent will provide leadership, planning, coordination, and evaluation of community engagement efforts across the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division (HPCD) and other departments. The role includes aligning engagement strategies with broader organizational objectives, managing division-wide projects, and fostering collaboration across multiple teams.
A strong commitment to health equity, racial equity, and social justice is essential, as this position will work to integrate equitable practices into systems, processes, and programs, creating an inclusive and impactful public health environment.
Primary responsibilities include: Provide leadership, planning, direction, coordination, and evaluation for the efforts to strengthen and advance community engagement initiatives across the division. Initiate, manage and implement division-wide strategic projects and initiatives, as assigned by the CHW Initiatives and Community Engagement Unit and HPCD Division Director's office. Lead the integration of community engagement best practices and tools into systems for grant applications, policy initiatives, and strategic priorities Lead strategic pursuit of grant opportunities and write grant applications to advance the efforts of HPCD in areas of community engagement and CHWI unit priorities. This position is eligible for telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out of one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls. This opportunity will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years of community engagement experience in public health and/or health promotion and chronic disease planning, leading or coordinating/managing projects. Experience must include all of the following: Leading community engagement or outreach programs and initiatives. Implementing best practices, strategies, and tools for community engagement, collaboration and partnership. Establishing working relationships with community, health system, local public health, and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships. Strategic planning, project management, and meeting facilitation. A related doctorate degree may substitute for twenty-four (24) months of experience, 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 Knowledge of policies and systems that impact community health, with experience implementing or advocating for equitable change. Experience in assessing and measuring the effectiveness of community engagement efforts. Strong understanding of health equity, racial equity, and social justice principles, with experience applying them in community-based or organizational settings. 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.
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 . 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 or 651-201-5984 .
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 .
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 .
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 and let us know the support you need.
