Working Title: Program Areas Communications Supervisor

Job Class: Communications Supervisor

Agency: Human Services Dept

- Job ID: 96730
- 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: 09/01/2026
- Closing Date: 09/14/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
- Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / Program Area Communications
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $41.81 - $60.10 / hourly; $87,299 - $125,488 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- 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.

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.

- This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.*

As the Program Areas Communications Supervisor, the incumbent will lead and implement large-scale communications strategies that promote programs, increase public awareness and help Minnesotans understand primarily the state’s Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and MinnesotaCare programs. The role requires advanced working knowledge of Medicaid policy, including program design, eligibility, benefits, waivers and federal-state requirements, to translate complex policy and operational decisions into clear, accessible public communications. As the supervisor of staff, the person in this position must also develop an understanding of the small number of agency programs that are unrelated to Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. The position supports transparency, equity in service delivery and accountability to the people of Minnesota.

Responsibilities Include But May Not Be Limited To

- Drive strategic program workload alignment, maximize operational capacity, control unit workflow and ensure absolute compliance with agency priorities, program mandates, labor agreements and state administrative frameworks.
- Provide strategic leadership for communications related to Minnesota’s Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare and broader DHS program areas.
- Manage the development and implementation of communications plans and strategies that translate complex policy decisions into accurate, accessible and culturally responsive information for diverse audiences.
- Provide policy-informed communications leadership in support of the DHS Communications Office on issues related primarily to Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs.
- Work with executive leadership, policy staff and communications teams to develop, manage and execute agencywide strategic communications projects that require interpretation and explanation of complex Medicaid policy and legislative activity.
- Analyze and interpret policy, data and trends to develop effective narratives and evaluate communications outcomes. Use data and policy analysis to inform communications strategies and continuous improvement efforts.

- All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the five (5) competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:
- Leading Self
- Leading Others




- Leading the Organization
- Leading Outside the Organization
- Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

- To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.

Demonstrated Leadership Experience.

Leadership Experience Can

Include

- Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
- Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
- A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee

(e.g. ERG) - Experience Must Include

- 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
- 100+ hours per year time commitment

AND Four (4) years of experience providing or consulting in the communications field across an organization and/or business.

Experience Must Also Demonstrate

- Advanced knowledge of Medicaid policy, program operations, financing, waivers and federal-state requirements.
- Expertise and substantial experience in the public relations or communications fields and in the principles and practices of journalism.
- Solid knowledge of media relations, social media, web communications, print media and communications campaigns to lead colleagues and external partners on communications.
- Experience creating communications strategies to address controversial internal and external issues, highlight key services and issues, and build support for communication proposals.
- Experience in assessing communications’ implications and risks of sensitive and visible issues and ability to advise leadership appropriately.
- Strong skills to research, plan, develop, manage and lead public awareness campaigns.
- Experience in planning, project management and problem-solving to address communications needs and resolve communications issues.
- Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Ability to hold team members accountable for their work product and meeting established goals.
- Ability to identify internal and external pressures/roadblocks that impact or may impact the work of the agency and navigate them effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

- Knowledge of the program, projects and current operations to best support children and families statewide.
- Experience with data analysis to inform communications strategies and continuous improvement efforts.
- Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.
- Knowledge of privacy and government data practices laws.
- Familiarity with government communications policies.
- Demonstrated ability to influence others and/or compel change throughout an organization.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Sarah Berg at [email protected].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexander Duren at [email protected].





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 (phone hidden) or [email protected] 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 Perks 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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

📌 Program Areas Communications Supervisor - Communications Supervisor (Saint-Paul Parish)
🏢 Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
📍 Saint-Paul Parish