What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Equity Strategist - Planner Principal State position at Minnesota Department of Health?
Working Title: Health Equity Strategist - Planner Principal State
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
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.
Come join the Health Equity Bureau at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as a Health Equity Strategist! As an integral part of the organization, the health equity strategist will work with division leadership to support them as they integrate, implement, and track progress on strategic health equity goals, with a focus on building capacity in the public health system and community organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. Telework of 50% or more may be allowed based on position needs and location.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, the minimum qualifications listed below must be clearly identified on the applicant's resume/application.
Three (3) years of experience working to advance health equity for communities most impacted by health inequities (including but not limited to populations of color, refugee/immigrant, American Indian, LGBTQIA , Persons Living with Disabilities including the intersection of metro/rural communities). Experience must include the following:
A related doctorate degree may count for two (2) years of experience. A related master’s degree may count for eighteen (18) months of experience. A related bachelor’s degree may count for one (1) year of experience. A related associate’s degree may count for six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check and employment reference checks.
This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.
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 health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.
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 and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting 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?
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:
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
- Job ID: 90539
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes/Hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Temporary - Anticipated to last through 11/30/2027.
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 12/04/2025
- Closing Date: 12/10/2025
- Hiring Agency: Health Department
- Division/Unit: Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity Strategy Division/ Health Equity Strategists Team
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8 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: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
- End Date: 11/30/2027
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
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.
Come join the Health Equity Bureau at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as a Health Equity Strategist! As an integral part of the organization, the health equity strategist will work with division leadership to support them as they integrate, implement, and track progress on strategic health equity goals, with a focus on building capacity in the public health system and community organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic equity direction, input, and information to the Division and program-level leadership; support and guide division-level equity strategic plans and implementation of public health programs through an intersectional, disability justice, environmental justice, and racial justice lens to ensure robust population health initiatives with impactful community outcomes.
- Provide focused content expertise, insight, and capacity for target populations to assigned divisions to ensure priority communities most impacted by inequities across Minnesota are the center of MDH divisions’ public health interventions. The priority communities include Black/African American, Latino, Asian American & Pacific Islander, LGBTQ , Immigrant and Refugee, people with disabilities, and Tribal communities.
- Provide training, coaching, and tolls to center a racial equity lens and to center an economic equity lens.
This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. Telework of 50% or more may be allowed based on position needs and location.
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for this position, the minimum qualifications listed below must be clearly identified on the applicant's resume/application.
Three (3) years of experience working to advance health equity for communities most impacted by health inequities (including but not limited to populations of color, refugee/immigrant, American Indian, LGBTQIA , Persons Living with Disabilities including the intersection of metro/rural communities). Experience must include the following:
- Experience facilitating meetings, committees, and/or trainings.
- Project management which includes tracking project progress, assigning tasks and providing feedback.
- Experience communicating and working with various stakeholders, government agencies, community organizations, health systems, local public health, and/or colleagues.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, sufficient to translate technical information into plain language for a variety of audiences.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining the ability to be a good listener, facilitator and communicator.
- Understanding of historical trauma and its impact on othering and belonging, and narrative change work.
A related doctorate degree may count for two (2) years of experience. A related master’s degree may count for eighteen (18) months of experience. A related bachelor’s degree may count for one (1) year of experience. A related associate’s degree may count for six (6) months of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lived experience as a member of a focus community.
- Experience working at the intersections of race/ethnicity, faith traditions, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability justice, social justice and/or other related areas relating to equity and social justice.
- Experience in systems-level work relating to advancing health equity and racial equity.
- Experience effectively working or organizing in a diverse environment that is multicultural and multilingual.
- Experience with multiple geographic regions and communities, including urban, rural and Tribal communities.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check and employment reference checks.
This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036.
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 health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.
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 and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting 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
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
- 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)
- 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
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $67,651 - $99,722