Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator - Communications Specialist 2

Minnesota Department of Health; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in the Environmental Health Division seeks a Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator to lead drinking water communications for NPWS owners and operators. You will coordinate public health messaging across sections and support outreach with internal and external partners.

Ideal candidates will have 2+ years in nonprofit/public health communications, knowledge of plain language, and strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience performing communications work in a nonprofit, public health, or government setting.
• Experience in education materials development, stakeholder collaboration, and outreach preferred.
• Masters substitution rules: a master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate drinking water communications materials.
• Develop messages that align with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on outreach and education activities.

Skills

Communications

Public health knowledge

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or public relations

Related associate’s degree

Job description

Telework Eligible: Yes

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

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, 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.

A master's degree in communications or public relations may substitute for 18 months of experience; a bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations may substitute for one year of experience; a related associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Laura Jones at [e-mail] or 651-201-4842.

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 Laura Jones at [e-mail].

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 [e-mail].

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 andimprovethe health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communitiesarethriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission‑driven work environment is a major factorinpromoting 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.