Working Title: Paid Leave Public Engagement Strategist
Job Class: Planner Principal Community Specialist
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID: 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: 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 perks, 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 Communications Team, the Paid Leave Policy and Evaluation Team, DEED's Office of Public Engagement, DEED’s Government Relations team, and other public engagement personnel to ensure that high-level strategy and day-to-day tactical work are aligned and in concert with the agency's broader public and policymaker engagement efforts.
This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
The incumbent must have the ability to maintain a flexible schedule, working occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
This position requires occasional weekend and evening travel as needed.
Minimum Qualifications Two (2) years’ experience in community-centered outreach or equitable public engagement.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse set of internal and external partner and cultivate trusted relationships.
Skills in project management, tracking, and reporting.
Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives under minimal supervision.
Incumbent must maintain a valid driver's license, & insurance OR have other reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Equitable community engagement best practices and trends.
Knowledge of Minnesota's Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), business, and nonprofit communities.
Proficiency in Spanish, Hmong, or Somali
Skills in time management, multitasking, and prioritizing work efficiently.
Microsoft Office skills (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
Ability to engage and communicate with the public, conduct presentations, and facilitate meetings with a variety of diverse audiences.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have various experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
Criminal Background Check
Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver’s License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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 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
Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals 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)
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.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.
If you have questions about this position, contact Lynda Zigah at [email protected].

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