Aging and Disability Services Administration / Communications Specialist 4

About the role

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a senior-level communications professional to serve as the Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) Communications Liaison. This role plays a critical advisory function, integrating communications strategy into executive decision-making, policy development, and program implementation, particularly for Medicaid-funded services, including disability waiver programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior strategic communications advisor to executive leadership on Medicaid-funded disability and aging services.
• Translate complex federal and state policy into clear, accessible communications for diverse audiences.
• Lead integrated communications strategies across administrations, agencies, and partners.
• Represent the agency in communications with counties, Tribal governments, providers, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Advisory leadership on communications strategy or public response to controversial issues.
• Crisis or risk communications experience, particularly related to service disruptions or impacts to vulnerable populations.
• Guide and coordinate the work of communications staff, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Support outreach and change-management efforts related to long-term services and supports.

Requirements

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 professional experience strategic communications, public affairs, or government communications.
• Experience must demonstrate the following: Support communications for federally funded programs and policy-driven program changes; Translate policy or technical information into accessible communications; Advise senior or executive leadership on communications strategy or public response to controversial issues; Coordinate work with others, including staff, contractors, or cross-functional teams; Develop executive-level speeches, briefings, talking points, or public-facing materials; Work with external stakeholders such as government partners, advocacy organizations, service providers, or the media.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public affairs, journalism, public administration, public policy, health policy, communications, or a related field.
• Direct experience with Medicaid disability waiver services.
• Experience supporting communications for aging services, long-term services and supports, or disability service systems.
• Demonstrated leadership in integrated communications strategies.
• Crisis or risk communications experience, particularly related to service disruptions or impacts to vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communications practices, including plain language, ADA considerations, and culturally responsive communication.
• Experience developing and leading public education or outreach campaigns related to health or human services programs.
• Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with legislative processes, budget development, and communications supporting policy proposals or statutory changes.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.