Remote Health Policy Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Details

Working Title: Water Policy Center Manager 

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95072
• 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: 07/02/2026
• Closing Date: 07/22/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Health Protection / Environmental Health Water Policy
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $40.86 - $59.07 / hourly; $85,315 - $123,338 / annually
• Bargaining Unit: Managerial/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

Job Summary

Join our dynamic team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your passion for public health can make a tangible impact on the well-being of Minnesotans.  MDH is seeking a Water Policy Center Manager in our Environmental Health (EH) Division to support the management of water related programs across the Agency, the legislature, and through stakeholder engagement to enable active advancement of the agency's mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.  The incumbent is responsible for facilitating the planning, development, and implementation of plans and projects of MDH programs that support water protection and to communicate goals, objectives, and results of these plans and projects to eternal partners and to the general public.  This position also provides policy and communications oversight and advises Agency leadership to support strategic goals and initiatives to ensure the State's drinking water is safe from source to tap and water related programs advance public health practices.  

Responsibilities Include:

• In collaboration with Agency and Division Leadership, develop, direct, and manage the Agency's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (CWF) initiatives.
• Provide leadership in developing, directing, and managing projects, programs, and communications related to water issues.
• Provide leadership in developing and managing Agency policy and new program development communications related to water and public health issues.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and supervision to team staff.

MDH relies heavily on grant funding, in addition to state appropriated dollars. As an agency, we continually monitor funding levels and navigate some degree of uncertainty related to grant cycles and the impact of the grant funding on program priorities. This position is currently funded and approved to be filled. While the position is funded at this time, future funding is dependent on the continuation of our funding sources. The Minnesota Department of Health works proactively to sustain programs and maintain our workforce to avoid reductions in force to the very best of our ability. In the event of a loss of funding resulting in a necessary workforce reduction, that process is governed by our collective bargaining agreements and compensation plans.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. 

Qualifications

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 and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience in a public health setting which includes:

• Providing supervision, work direction, and training to staff.
• Water related project and program management, including developing, planning, and implementing goals and initiatives.
• Providing expert consultation to leadership teams.
• Stakeholder communication and engagement.

AND

Leadership and supervisory experience sufficient to demonstrate the following:

• Leading a team of professional staff engaged in program activities.
• Staff coaching, mentoring, development, supervision, and team building capability.
• Planning, organizing, and directing program functions including prioritizing tasks and delegating work to ensure productivity and quality.

A related degree will substitute for work experience 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's degree may substitute for six months of experience.  Experience through a related degree does not replace the required water-related program management experience, or the specific minimum qualifications listed above.  Applicants must independently demonstrate experience managing water-related programs and providing technical leadership in water issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in public health, public administration, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of policies, practices, and principles as they related to water programs and public health.
• Experience managing water related programs with the State of Minnesota.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and an employment reference check,
• This position does not require a valid driver's license but does require occasional travel, which the candidate is responsible for meeting.

Application Details

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 Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842.

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 Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

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

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.