Leave Public Engagement Strategist - Planner Principal Community Specialist

Position: Paid Leave Public Engagement Strategist - Planner Principal Community Specialist
*
* Working Title:

Paid Leave Public Engagement Strategist*
* ** Job Class:
Planner Principal Community Specialist*
* ** Agency:
Department of Employment and Economic Development*
* +  
** Job ** : 96693

+  
** Location** :
St. Paul

+  
** Telework Eligible** :
Yes, may be eligible for some telework.

+  
** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

+  
** Regular/Temporary** :
Unlimited

+  
** Who May Apply** :
This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/10/2026.

+  
** Date Posted** : 09/04/2026

+  
** Closing Date** : 09/17/2026

+  
** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** :
Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE

+  
** Division/Unit** :
Paid Family and Medical Leave

+  
** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM

+  
** Days of Work** :
Monday - Friday, working occasional weekends as needed

+  
** Travel Required** :
Yes, up to 20% of the time

+  
** Salary Range:**  $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually

+  
** Classified Status** :
Classified

+  
** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE

+  
** FLSA Status** :
Exempt - Administrative

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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.

The Paid Leave Public Engagement Strategist, reporting to the Public Engagement Manager, is responsible for organizing and supporting equitable public engagement initiatives, cultivating and managing constituent relationships, and tracking and reporting on engagement activities.

** About Paid Leave:*
* Paid Leave is a historic new program in Minnesota that launched Jan. 1, 2026. The program provides job protections and partial wage replacement to employees who need time off work to care for themselves or a family member with a serious health condition, bond with a new child, support a family member called to active military duty, or take steps to ensure their personal safety or that of a loved one.

Employees experiencing such life events are trying to figure out benefits and keep food on the table, balancing schedules while trying to absorb complex medical information. That's why our program is committed to being easy to navigate and access. And it's why we strive to help employers understand their role and how to remove barriers for their employees, creating a more caring workplace.

We know that Paid Leave improves the health and wellbeing of the residents and businesses of Minnesota, and that our economy is more equitable for it.

Equitable public engagement is the key to making this happen. It ensures that those charged with implementing the program understand the concerns and needs of Paid Leave's diverse constituents. It drives program design, participation, and partnership-all fundamental to delivering a healthy, equitable public service.

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

+ Utilize knowledge of public engagement principles and best practices to create strategies for effectively engaging diverse constituent groups.

+ Connects and partners with organizations and other state programs that serve diverse communities to increase awareness of and access to Paid Leave.

+ Cultivates trusted relationships and creates pathways for communities disadvantaged by economic and other systemic barriers to inform and benefit from Paid Leave.

+ Collaborates closely with the Leadership in planning, coordinating, and tracking all Paid Leave engagement activities.

+ Maintains a database of engagement activities and constituent contacts.

+ Handles event logistics, planning, registration, follow-up communications, invoices, payments, procurement, and vendor relations.

+ Works closely with the Paid Leave…