Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator, State Program Admin Principal

Job Information

• Telework Eligible:
  Yes, Hybrid 50%
• Working Title:
  
  Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator
• Job Class:
  State Program Administrator Principal
• Agency:
  Health Department
• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• 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 01/28/2026
• Date Posted: 01/22/2026
• Closing Date: 02/04/2026
• Hiring Agency:
  Minnesota Health Department
• Division/Unit:
  Health Improvement / Injury Prevention Mental Health-Substance Prevention Education Unit
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift / 8:00 A.M.
  
  - 4:30 P.M.
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

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.

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking a passionate and experienced professional to lead statewide efforts in cannabis and substance use prevention, education, harm reduction, and recovery. This position will collaborate with communities disproportionately affected by substance use to develop and implement strategies that reduce disparities and promote health equity.

• Coordinate prevention and recovery initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to agencies and organizations across the state and strengthen partnerships with diverse communities.
• Support statewide policy and program development.
• Testify as a technical expert in legislative and public forums.
• Advance the integration of substance use prevention and recovery efforts within the department and among state partners.

This position requires a high degree of autonomy, strong decision‑making skills, and the ability to synthesize new information to drive program and policy actions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of substance use prevention and recovery, as well as a commitment to community engagement and equity‑focused public health strategies.

The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in‑office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state.

Three (3) years of experience in public health substance use prevention, harm reduction, or recovery programming/prevention. Experience must include each of the following:

• Experience with behavior‑change strategies, social marketing, and public health education methods.
• Experience setting program goals, managing budgets, and assessing policy issues related to substance use prevention.
• Experience testifying in legislative or public forums as a subject matter expert.
• Experience in community engagement, particularly with diverse populations in Minnesota.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview phase:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret quantitative and qualitative data, research, and surveillance methods.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills to collaborate with partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of state and federal policies related to substance use, harm reduction, and public health.
• Understanding of Minnesota’s local public health system and substance misuse disparities.
• Strong understanding of health equity principles and strategies to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in substance use.

A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience; and associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.