Job Description
Job Details Working Title: Data and Evaluation Specialist Job Class: Research Scientist 2 or 3 Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 88380
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes - Hybrid
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers within the Minnesota Department of Health.
- Date Posted : 08/21/2025
- Closing Date : 08/27/2025
- Hiring Agency : Health Department
- Division/Unit : Office of African American Health (OAAH) / OAAH Division Director Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range:
- Research Scientist 2: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,649 - $98,240/ annually
- Research Scientist 3: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- 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 The Data and Evaluation Specialist leads the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of data, evaluation, and reporting systems for the Office of African American Health (OAAH). The Data and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for designing and managing performance measurement frameworks that support the Office's mission to improve health outcomes for African Americans in Minnesota. This role includes leading the development of a performance measurement system that includes identification of health indicators and performance metrics that support measurement and reporting on OAAH goals and objectives, managing data governance and analysis projects, developing evaluation strategies to evaluate health equity outcomes, coordinating data initiatives, and implementing culturally responsive approaches to data collection, interpretation, and dissemination. This role supports the Office's statutory mandates to monitor and improve health outcomes for African American populations in Minnesota.
This vacancy is being announced at two different job classification levels: Research Scientist 2 and Research Scientist 3. Only one position will be filled and the final job classification of the position will be determined based on the selected candidates' qualifications. This position is eligible for hybrid telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota or in counties bordering Minnesota in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota.
Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out of one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications The following minimum qualifications must be clearly indicated in the applicant's resume/application to be considered for this vacancy.
Research Scientist 2: Three (3) years of experience in data science, analytics, interoperability, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and/or data strategy, data modernization, governance and research. Experience to include the following:
- Designing and implementing evaluation frameworks, logic models, and performance measurement systems for public health or community-based programs.
- Working collaboratively with community-based organizations, particularly those serving African American populations and other communities impacted by health inequities.
- Use of tools used for data analysis and visualization, such as Excel, R, Python, Power BI, or Tableau.
Research Scientist 3: Four (4) years of experience in data science, analytics, interoperability, data equity, informatics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and/or data strategy, data modernization, governance and research. Experience to include the following:
- Providing strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced evaluation frameworks, logic models, and performance measurement systems for public health or community-based programs.
- Designing and executing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research to evaluate program effectiveness, inform high-level policy and funding decisions, and fulfill statutory mandates.
- Experience working and/or collaborating with senior leaders, cross-sector partners, and community-based organizations, particularly those serving African American populations and other communities impacted by health inequities.
Minimum Qualifications to be assessed at interview: - Knowledge of public health principles, equity-focused research methodologies, and the structural, social and historical determinants of African American Health in Minnesota.
- Proficiency in statistical and data visualization tools such as R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms, with the ability to develop complex, interactive dashboards and analytic models.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgement, uphold stringent data privacy and confidential standards, and address ethical considerations in data and evaluation work.
- Ability to produce clear, accessible data reports, dashboards, and visualizations tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
A related doctoral degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience, 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. Preferred Qualifications - Advanced skill in applying culturally responsive and community-driven evaluation methods, as well as building evaluation capacity among staff, grantees and partners.
- Experience providing technical leadership for legislative reporting processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining methodological rigor and cultural relevance.
- Expertise in translating complex datasets and technical findings into clear, actionable reports, briefings, and visualizations for audiences ranging from policymakers to community members.
- Ability to synthesize and communicate complex information in a culturally relevant, transparent, and equity-centered manner.
- Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables across internal teams and external partners.
Additional Requirements The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass an employment reference check and background check.
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 .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@state.mn.us or 651-539-3036 .
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 Katelyn Rigdon at katelyn.rigdon@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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,