SAC Communications Director- Planning Dir State

Working Title: SAC Communications Director

Job Class: Planning Director State

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 82424

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 1/13/2025.

• Date Posted : 01/07/2025

• Closing Date : 01/16/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

• Division/Unit : Environmental Health - Site Assessment and Consultation Unit

• 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: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• 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 a mission-driven team in the Environmental Health division and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. The site assessment and consultation (SAC) Communications Director position exists to strategically plan and implement internal and external communications and community engagement related to hazardous materials and sites where such hazards have been releases to ensure timely and effective actions can be taken that prevent or reduce harmful exposures to hazardous substances in Minnesota. This position has state-wide scope and responsibility to lead, coordinate, evaluate and support planning, communications, and capacity building activities for public health response to hazardous substances releases.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Coordinates, supports, and evaluates collaborations within departments and across agencies, with a focus on risk communication efforts and public meetings.

• Represents and manages communications regarding contaminated sites and complex environmental exposure issues on behalf of the Site Assessment and Consultation (SAC) unit, the Environmental Surveillance & Assessment (ESA) section, and, as needed, the Environmental Health (EH) division.

• Enhances the capacity of healthcare and public health professionals to assess and effectively communicate about exposures to hazardous releases.

• Strengthens the ability of local governments and communities to understand, address, and respond to issues related to hazardous substance releases and sites, including policy development and the promotion of health-protective remediation efforts.

• Contributes to the writing, reporting, and administration of grants and other program accountability requirements.

This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four ( 4 ) years of advanced professional experience in planning, implementation, and administration within environmental health or closely related field.

A degree in Public Health, Environmental Health or closely related field may substitute as follows: Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Comprehensive understanding of research principles and analytical techniques to design studies, develop methodologies, and oversee the work of consultants and interdisciplinary task forces.

• Expertise in identifying and evaluating data, formulating policy and program recommendations, and conceptualizing innovative solutions to complex challenges.

• Considerable knowledge and experience in strategic planning, policy development and implementation, program evaluation, and coalition building to advance public health initiatives and outcomes.

• Proficiency in critical analysis, problem-solving, priority-setting, conflict management, group facilitation, and negotiation, combined with public health expertise, to foster strong state and local partnerships and improve public health agency management and practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced professional experience in risk communication, planning, and analysis within community health outreach, environmental public health programs, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental and public health programs, including hazardous waste/substance issues (e.g., Superfund).

• Familiarity with environmental and scientific terminology, risk communication, and environmental justice topics, with the ability to synthesize and apply this knowledge to planning community outreach and health education activities.

• Proficiency with computerized information and database systems, web development tools (e.g., Dreamweaver), web analytics, publishing software (Adobe, MS Office), SharePoint, and social media platforms.

• In-depth knowledge of planning principles, methods, and techniques, with the ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations to develop or assist in the creation of statewide plans.

• Familiarity with federal and state laws, policies, functions, and procedures related to environmental public health programs, with the ability to serve as a program and risk communications expert in policy committees, public forums, and national conferences.

Physical Requirements

Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

Must be able to accommodate a work schedule that includes evening meetings and travel to public meetings in outstate areas.

This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.