Executive Pathways Equity and Employee Engagement Intern

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.

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

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services Administration (HHSSA) are committed to advancing equity, both for our staff and for the community members we serve. As we continue the journey towards ensuring every employee can thrive and experience inclusion, psychological safety, respect, wellbeing, and joy, the Equity and Employee Engagement Intern will support our workforce equity and employee engagement efforts. Under the support and guidance of the Equity Director in BHA and HHSSA, the Equity and Employee Engagement Intern will be an important liaison for increasing employee engagement efforts, supporting BHA/HHSSA equity committees, and co-creating implementation and communication efforts for equity and engagement initiatives. This is a great opportunity for someone who is relationship-centered with interest and experience in applying equity principles and using data to drive positive change.

Some responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conducting best-practice research
• Supporting employee listening sessions and stay interviews
• Collecting and analyzing qualitative data related to employee engagement
• Communicating data and narratives to audiences of different backgrounds
• Supporting the facilitation and/or notetaking for listening sessions or other employee engagement efforts
• Regularly attending Equity Committee meetings, taking minutes, and participating in action team work as needed
• Working collaboratively with Employee Engagement Ambassadors, equity committee co-chairs, research and evaluation team members, and cross-agency partners as needed