• Job ID: 92504
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/28/2026
• Closing Date: 03/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept
• Division/Unit: DHS-Payroll / DHS Community & Partner Relat
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Anticipated Start Date: 06/10/2026
• End Date: 08/19/2026
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

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 Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with many partners, helps Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential.

The Executive Pathways Program is a paid summer internship (June – August) for college students to explore a rewarding career in public service.

What you can expect during your internship:

• Hands-on experience impacting individuals and processes within a large human service agency
• Opportunity to meet (virtually and in-person) to network with other state employees
• Attend virtual workshops focused on your Professional development
• Give back to the communities DHS serves through volunteerism
  
  

The Community Relations Intern will work within the Office of Agency Culture and Relations in support of the Community Relations Division. The intern will assist in developing a community engagement framework that defines both minimum and enhanced standards for practice, policy, and implementation. Under the guidance of the Director of Community Relations, the intern will help craft recommendations for the framework, build an implementation plan with measurable progress indicators, and design an evaluation approach, including an impact dashboard to track outcomes. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to influence community engagement strategies that promote inclusivity and meaningful impact across communities.

Some responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conduct research, analyze information, and synthesize findings into clear recommendations
• Interpret data and contribute to evaluation tools such as dashboards or progress measures
• Knowledge of community engagement principles, effective outreach practices, and relationship building strategies
  
  

To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; or recently graduated December 2025 or May 2026

AND

• Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a culture of inclusion
  
  

• Preferred majors include: Public Health, Health Policy Research, Public Policy, Social Work, Communication
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare frameworks, summaries, and implementation materials
• Skill in project planning, including organizing tasks, timelines, and measurable indicators
• Capacity to think strategically and translate ideas into actionable steps 7. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and incorporate feedback
• Collaborative team player with the ability to gather and incorporate feedback
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple competing tasks effectively
  
  

• Must be in academic years of sophomore, junior, or senior (Graduate students allowed)
• Must provide unofficial transcript to show proof of school enrollment
• Must be willing to reside in Minnesota for the duration of internship
• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check
• Incumbent must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
  
  

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 Evelyn Witherspoon at evelyn.witherspoon@state.mn.us or 651-431-6579.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
  
  

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.