Vaccine Preventable Disease Section Manager - Health Program Manager Senior

Job Details

Working Title: Vaccine Preventable Disease Section Manager - Health Program Manager Senior
Job Class: Health Program Manager Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91142
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/06/2026
• Closing Date: 01/27/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit: Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division (IDEPC) / Vaccine Preventable Disease Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $46.68 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 - $139,916 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 – Managerial Plan
• 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 mission-driven team in the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention & Control (IDEPC) Division of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where you will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of Minnesotans!

The purpose of this position is to plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluating statewide efforts to prevent occurrence of and complications from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through a variety of activities. The incumbent applies principles of public health to direct and coordinate prevention and programmatic activities related to immunization, including program evaluation and special studies. The incumbent applies technical expertise in epidemiologic methods and in the epidemiology of VPDs (including measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, and influenza) needed to guide the development and implementation of statewide surveillance systems, conduct investigations of outbreaks, and special studies of reportable communicable diseases.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Direct the work of and supervise section staff and supervisors in accordance with labor agreements, department policies, and sound management principles so that objectives of each unit are completed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Develop and manage grants that finance the work described, and develop and manage budgets, reports, and programmatic work conducted under such funding.
• Work with the division Legal and Policy Analyst to develop and implement legislation, rules, policies, procedures, and funding strategies for economic regulatory or educational measures required to effectively address VPD problems consistent with statewide plans.
• Apply technical expertise to guide the development and implementation of statewide surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable disease in order to prevent or minimize disease through the development and implementation of disease prevention and control activities.
• Provide expert consultation and technical assistance about immunizations and VPDs to physicians and other health professionals; MDH staff; federal, state, and local public health and regulatory agencies; the media; and the general public.

This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of management experience that includes the following:

• Experience working with and expert technical knowledge of epidemiologic methods and experience in applying them to solve complex problems in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and disease prevention and control activities.
• Experience working with and considerable knowledge of public health principles, immunization practices and barriers, health care delivery system.
• Extensive knowledge of public health program design and implementation, particularly related to immunizations, including community organization and planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to respond to legislators and align work with legislative priorities, including experience communicating policy implications and briefing lawmakers on immunization and VPD issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – including media, with a track record of clear, impactful engagement with diverse audiences (physicians, public health colleagues, and regulators).
• Strong leadership and people management experience, including directing, supervising, and developing staff within a public health or government setting, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve timely objectives.
• Proven grant management and budget experience, including securing funding, developing budgets and progress reports, and coordinating with Legal, Policy, and MDH EO teams to implement legislation, rules, and funding strategies.
• Knowledge of national, state, and local public health issues, programs, and systems, including an understanding of public health challenges at multiple jurisdictional levels.
• Knowledge of MDH’s organizational structure, functions, policies, and procedures.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background and reference check.
• This position requires occasional travel for which the candidate is required to meet.

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 Megan Baer at megan.baer@state.mn.us

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 Megan Baer at megan.baer@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.