Equity Specialist - DEI Specialist Intermediate

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks an Equity Specialist to support and coordinate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Health Care Administration. You will serve as a DEI subject matter expert, advising leadership and staff on implementing equity policies and action plans.

The role collaborates with DHS equity leaders to advance anti-racism and accessibility across the workforce. The position requires at least two years building equity and inclusion in larger

Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ experience building equity, diversity and inclusion in a medium or large organization.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders and advocating for underserved and marginalized communities.
• Successful demonstration of managing programs for an organization, including maintaining staff involvement and reporting of key metrics.
• Experience supporting and advising teams; coordinating training and staff development; and meeting facilitation.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, psychology, social work, public health, education or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a DEI subject matter expert providing guidance and support to HCA management and staff on DEI initiatives to ensure the advancements of equitable outcomes for all people served by HCA’s programs and for all of HCA’s staff.
• Under the direction of HCA Equity Director, lead the development and execution of HCA’s internal equity agenda.
• Manage the portion of the HCA Equity and Inclusion Action plan that is directed at staff development.
• Create and implement communications and marketing plans and strategies to effectively communicate HCA’s DEI initiatives in a clear concise manner to reach and educate the administration’s diverse audience.
• In partnership with DHS Agency-wide Development and Learning staff and with the leadership of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), ensure staff have access to learning and development activities to advance their understanding of issues of DEI.
• Co-coordinate and co-lead HCA equity committee activities.

Skills

DEI knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Training & development

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, psychology, social work, public health, education or related field

Job description

Working Title: Equity Specialist

Job Class: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist Intermediate

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 98159
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/02/2026
• Closing Date: 11/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Health Care Administration / Assistant Commissioner
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

The Equity Specialist for Health Care Administration (HCA) supports and coordinates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across the administration in partnership with and direction from the Director of Equity and Inclusion. The role serves as a DEI subject matter expert, and advises HCA management and employees in the implementation of the HCA Equity and Inclusion Action Plan as well as the DHS Equity Policy. The position also works with equity leaders across the Department of Human Services to advance and imbed goals related to DEI, anti‑racism, and accessibility to address inequities within our workforce and those we serve in our Minnesota Health Care Programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a DEI subject matter expert providing guidance and support to HCA management and staff on DEI initiatives to ensure the advancements of equitable outcomes for all people served by HCA’s programs and for all of HCA’s staff.
• Under the direction of HCA Equity Director, lead the development and execution of HCA’s internal equity agenda.
• Manage the portion of the HCA Equity and Inclusion Action plan that is directed at staff development.
• Create and implement communications and marketing plans and strategies to effectively communicate HCA’s DEI initiatives in a clear concise manner to reach and educate the administration’s diverse audience.
• In partnership with DHS Agency-wide Development and Learning staff and with the leadership of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), ensure staff have access to learning and development activities to advance their understanding of issues of DEI.
• Co-coordinate and co-lead HCA equity committee activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years’ experience building equity, diversity and inclusion in a medium or large organization.

Demonstrating the following

• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders and advocating for underserved and marginalized communities.
• Successful demonstration of managing programs for an organization, including maintaining staff involvement and reporting of key metrics.
• Experience supporting and advising teams; coordinating training and staff development; and meeting facilitation.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, psychology, social work, public health, education or related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of Health Care Administration programs and policies.
• Experience providing consultation and coaching to management to improved cross‑cultural communication.
• Understanding of the role and operation of state government in building the health and human services infrastructure.
• Experience in diversity, equity and inclusion work within a health care organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research and professional literature on building equitable and inclusive organizations, including promoting accessibility.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jill at [e-mail]

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or [e-mail] for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.