Emergency Preparedness & Response Assistant Division Director - Health Assistant Division Director

Working Title: Emergency Preparedness & Response Assistant Division Director

Job Class: Health Assistant Division Director

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97797
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/17/2026
• Closing Date: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Emergency Preparedness and Response / Director's Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial
• 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.

Join the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Division at the Minnesota Department of Health and help ensure Minnesota’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.

The Assistant Division Director provides high-level policy, operational, and administrative leadership for the EPR Division. In collaboration with the Division Director, this position guides strategic planning, policy development, cross-division and cross-agency collaboration, budget development and oversight, workforce development, performance management, and emergency response readiness. The role also leads efforts to build an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace culture.

This position has a statewide scope and works closely with local and tribal health departments, healthcare coalitions, federal partners, state agencies, legislators, and MDH executive leadership. The incumbent also represents the division in enterprise-level operations, legislative processes, and emergency response activities, including acting as liaison to Continuity of Operations (COOP).

Key Responsibilities Of This Position

• Provide strategic direction for the division and set clear priorities.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams and external agencies.
• Lead and support staff, including coaching and performance management.
• Oversee budgets, grants, and operations to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
• Ensure the division is prepared for and able to respond effectively to public health emergencies.
  
  

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. 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.

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.

Four (4) years of experience providing policy, operational, or administrative direction, management, or oversight in a public health, emergency management, healthcare, government, or comparable organizational setting.

This Experience Must Include Demonstrated Leadership, Such As

• Direct supervisory experience, OR
• Serving as a team lead, lead worker, or project lead (as defined), OR
• Completion of the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI), Senior Leadership Institute (SLI), or an equivalent leadership development program, OR
• Leading a formal organizational program, workgroup, or committee for at least 1 year at 100+ hours per year, which included identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions.
  
  

Qualifications To Be Assessed During The Interview Process

• Ability to communicate effectively in meetings, virtually, and in high-stakes or cross-agency situations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including communities disproportionately affected by emergencies.
• Ability to lead and develop others, including giving clear direction, coaching, feedback, and supporting an inclusive and equitable environment.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and make sound decisions, especially when situations are ambiguous or high-pressure.
• Ability to lead change effectively, including addressing concerns, helping staff adapt, and guiding teams through transitions.
  
  

Substitution

A related doctoral degree may substitute for two years of experience; a master’s or juris doctor degree may substitute for 18 months; a bachelor’s degree for one year; an associate degree for six months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing financial systems, including budgets of $10M+, grants, or large contracts.
• Experience in public health emergency preparedness and response, including use of the Incident Management System.
• Experience supervising managers or multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working with legislative materials such as fiscal notes, testimony, or other policy documents.
• Experience writing technical reports, policies, or public presentations.
• Experience applying equity principles in program planning or workforce development.
  
  

Additional Requirements

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

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.

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 [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 Kathleen Maertz at [email protected] or 651-201-5936.

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 Kathleen Maertz at [email protected].

If you are an individual with a disability and a need for an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at [email protected]

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 arethriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor inpromoting 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.