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Working Title: Communications Strategist

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Health Department

+ **Job ID** : 87925

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes / Hybrid

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.

+ **Date Posted** : 08/30/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 09/12/2025

+ **Hiring Agency** : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

+ **Division** : Office of African American Health

+ **Work Shift** : Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required:** No

+ **Salary Range:** $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit** : Minnesota 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.

THIS POSITION IS BEING REPOSTED. IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED TO THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT, YOU DO NEED TO REAPPLY TO BE CONSIDERED.

This position leads the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of communications efforts for the Office of African American Health (OAAH). The Communications Strategist is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive communications plan that supports the OAAH mission to address identified health disparities of African Americans in Minnesota. The role requires the planning and production of a communications plan, and producing culturally relevant, accessible, and audience-specific communications across multiple platforms.

The Communications Strategist will identify and implement communications strategies that elevate community priorities, promote transparency, and foster engagement with stakeholders, partners, and the public. The incumbent will also coordinate with MDH's central Communications Office, external media outlets, and community messengers to amplify messaging and ensure alignment with agency-wide communication protocols. As part of their role, the Communications Strategist will serve as the accessibility coordinator for OAAH, ensuring that all communications meet language access, digital accessibility, and cultural relevance standards. To support these activities, the incumbent will maintain a working knowledge of the social, political, and historical factors impacting African American health in Minnesota and will regularly collaborate with internal teams, community partners, and interagency colleagues to ensure consistent, responsive, and equity-centered communications.

Responsibilities Include:

+ Develop and implement strategic communications plans for the Office of African American Health (OAAH).

+ Create and manage culturally relevant content for digital, print, and multimedia platforms.

+ Coordinate media outreach and external engagement.

+ Serve as the accessibility and equity communications lead.

This position is eligible for telework up to 50% of the time and is based in the St. Paul office.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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 communications experience. Experience must include:

+ Project management with internal and external partners.

+ Developing a communications plan that includes input from key stakeholders.

+ Coordinating and implementing communications activities, such as developing internal and external communications strategies, goals and objectives, timetables/schedules, work plans, or other related activities.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

+ Knowledge of African American health, public health, and communications.

+ Knowledge of communications principles and strategies.

+ Organization and coordination skills sufficient to manage assignments.

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills.

A related associate degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related master's degree may be substituted for one and a half (1.5) years of experience. A related doctorate degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Degree in African American studies, communications, or public health.

+ Experience working with diverse populations such as low-income, rural residents, racial, ethnic, or cultural communities, adolescents, older adults, people with Limited English Proficiency, people with disabilities or mental illness, and LGBTQ communities.

+ Strong cultural competence and experience working with African American communities and other communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities.

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.