Communications Coordinator - Communications Specialist

Overview

Working Title: Communications Coordinator

Job Class: Communications Specialist 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• 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 02/12/2026.
• Date Posted: 02/06/2026
• Closing Date: 02/19/2026
• Hiring Agency:
  Minnesota Health Department (MDH)
• Division/Unit:
  Health Systems / Health Policy Office of Rural Health
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift / 8:00 A.M.
  
  - 4:30 P.M.
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota 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.

In coordination with the Office of Rural Health (ORHPC) management team, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing communication strategies that support ORHPC initiatives to improve health outcomes in rural communities across Minnesota. This position involves creating and disseminating content, engaging with stakeholders, and managing public relations efforts to promote rural health programs and services, including the Minnesota Rural Health Transformation Program and Minnesota’s National Rural Health Day events.

It directs internal and external communications for the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, including development of long- and short-term communications strategies; writing, editing, design, accessibility and distribution of written and electronic/web communications. It provides oversight of staff-developed fact sheets, issue papers, articles and reports, and planning and oversight of office communications.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Communications Strategy Development.
• Content Creation and Management.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Marketing ORHPC’s services and functions to internal (MDH) and external audiences.

The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in communications or public relations. Experience must include each of the following:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies or plans for internal and external audiences.
• Writing, editing, and overseeing publication of multiple communication products such as newsletters, fact sheets, reports, press releases, website content, or social media.
• Managing or coordinating website or digital content, including working with web staff or content management systems.
• Collaborating with leadership, subject matter experts, or program staff to develop key messages and communication materials.

A related 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.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Ability to think strategically about communications and translate program goals into clear messaging, target audiences, and appropriate communication channels.
• Ability to manage multiple competing communications priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Ability to provide lead direction, consultation, and editorial guidance to staff developing written or digital communications.
• Ability to analyze communication effectiveness and describe how data or engagement feedback is used to improve…