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Working Title: Strategic Implementation Project Manager / Planning Director State

Job Class: Planning Director State

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

+ **Job ID** : 82993

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 07/18/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 07/31/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE

+ **Division/Unit** : DCY - Payroll / SystemsChange&PublicEngagement

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $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 - Administrative

+ **Re-Posting** : Yes

This position was previously announced on 01/06/2025. If you already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

_*This position was previously announced from 1/06/25 - 1/21/25 The job posting has been extended with updates to the job posting qualifications._

_***_ Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) _Within Minnesota and flexible hours options are available. Employees that live 50 miles or less from their primary/principal work location and live within the State may telework more than 50% with approval. *** Employees may telework outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota_ **_and live 50 miles or less from the primary/principal work location_** _._

As the Strategic Implementation Project Manager, you will play a critical role in implementing and facilitating agency-wide initiatives that align with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' (DCYF) mission and vision through the Office of Equity and Engagement. This position focuses on recognizing and addressing Equity performance and outcome gaps within DCYF’s systems, particularly those related to factors of Equity such as power dynamics, historical factors, and institutional barriers.

In addition to overseeing the implementation of key projects, the Project Manager will work with office Directors to analyze existing systems to identify Equity gaps that hinder equitable outcomes and implement corrective actions and solutions to align systems with DCYF's vision, along with supporting Community Relations initiatives and projects. Serving as a subject matter expert on DEI, the manager will manage Equity workgroups, lead program and project management efforts, engage key members and partners, and monitor progress to ensure the successful and timely completion of initiatives.

The Strategic Implementation Project Manager will conduct research, track performance metrics, assess process improvements relating to increasing equity in DCYF’s structure, policies, and operations, and provide regular updates to the Director of Infrastructure and Development and other Directors as needed. The incumbent will lead DEI training facilitations and presentations. This position will facilitate efficient coordination across teams, ultimately driving successful program and project outcomes that support the agency’s vision of a Minnesota where all children, youth, and families are valued, treated equitably, and thriving.

Responsibilities include:

+ Approaching DEI work through a framework of embedding and operationalize existing DEI efforts and creating DEI system changes in the workforce and organization through areas of policies, process changes, and employee development, performance, and evaluation.

+ Lead the implementation and coordination of agency-wide projects, programs, and initiatives to address systemic performance and outcome gaps, with a focus on power dynamics, historical factors, and institutional barriers. Ensure these efforts align with DCYF’s strategic goals and advance the agency's vision.

+ Develop and facilitate effective cross-divisional collaboration/workgroups, trainings, and resources to ensure the effective implementation of initiatives.

+ Conduct research, develop metrics, and assess process improvements to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of initiatives and systems.

+ Build relationships and provide effective communication and community relations to engage stakeholders, inform decisions, and support the implementation of agency-wide initiatives.

+ Special Project as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

_**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**_

Three (3) years of experience in implementing complex, organization-wide projects with a systems thinking approach to understand and address interconnected challenges and outcomes that relate to eliminating disparities and community relations. Experience must demonstrate:

+ Championing DEI work through a result and reportable outcome approach and having multiple extension years of knowledge and experience relating to DEI will be vital to the success of this role.

+ Experience leading large, complex projects across an organization of 500 or more staff.

+ Experience leading cross-functional teams by fostering collaboration, using diplomatic skills to navigate diverse perspectives, and aligning stakeholders with organizational goals.

+ Experience serving as a leader in DEI in professional roles and delivering positive organization change to the organization and/or workforce

+ Experience using data and metrics to drive project outcomes, evaluate the effectiveness of internal systems, and implement improvements that support Equity goals.

+ Expertise in process improvement, project planning, and connecting project objectives to agency goals, with a focus on driving systemic change and eliminating disparities to improve outcomes.

+ Strong understanding and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and community relations, integrating them into organizational processes, projects, and decision-making to create equitable systems.

+ Cultural competency to understand and tailor solutions to the unique needs of all communities and populations served.

In addition to the above, applicant will be further evaluate based on the following:

+ ]munication skills sufficient to prepare effective documents; develop and conduct presentations or trainings; draft reports, policies, letters, and memoranda for a variety of audiences; and facilitate and lead meetings or other similar forumsCommunication skills sufficient to prepare effective documents; develop and conduct presentations or trainings; draft reports, policies, letters, and memoranda for a variety of audiences; and facilitate and lead meetings or other similar forums

+ Interpersonal skills sufficient to effectively deliver and explain information to managers, supervisors, and department employees

+ Analytical ability/critical-thinking skills and program-solving ability sufficient to analyze and evaluate complex information/problems, identify, research, and evaluate alternatives/issues/different points of view

+ Independently make sound decisions, resolve conflicts, and provide guidance to agency managers and supervisors on a variety of Equity concerns

+ Ability to assess, recommend and implement change, initiate program improvement, and monitor effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Systems Development, Equity and Inclusion, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

+ Extensive experience multiple cross-functional projects in a public-sector environment.

+ Proficiency in using data and metrics to drive decision-making, evaluate the effectiveness of internal systems, and implement improvements that support DEI goals.

+ Certified in Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.