Inspector General - Education Director 2

Working Title: Inspector General

Job Class: Education Director 2

Agency: Education Department

• Job ID: 84531
• Location: Minneapolis
• Telework Eligible: Yes * Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state with requirement to report to the office on a periodic basis.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/05/2025
• Closing Date: 03/25/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-CO-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Commissioner of Education
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $53.91 - $77.26 / hourly; $112,564 - $161,318 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

The Minnesota Department of Education is seeking applicants to serve as the Inspector General. The Inspector General (IG) is the senior official with overall accountability for establishing a vision and clear sense of purpose to ensure the responsibility for investigations and other initiatives to prevent and combat fraud, waste, and abuse in programs administered and run by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The IG is responsible for providing oversight of investigations and other activities that will ensure program integrity and prevent and address fraud, waste, and abuse in Department programs and that necessary enforcement/prosecution activities are undertaken.

The Inspector General will:

• Provide strategic services and leadership to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and Cabinet Team.
• Provide high-level updates and communication to and between MDE partners at the state, county, federal and tribal level on the conduct of fraud investigations and any related necessary enforcement/prosecution action, as necessary.
• Make recommendation to the MDE Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Assistant Commissioners, based upon the results of fraud investigations, on additional controls and program policy changes to implement to reduce or prevent efforts to obtain department funds for purposes other than their intended purposes.
• Oversee the development of a plan to aggressively fight fraud and abuse and the maintenance of metrics on the success of anti-fraud efforts.
  
  

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

7 years of experience in a relevant field such as accounting, finance, criminal justice, law, public administration, or a related field. ¿A related degree may substitute for one year of experience.¿

3 years leadership experience managing program integrity functions in a public or private organization, including experience in:

• Policy development, strategic planning, and directing work of staff
• Working with regulatory and oversight programs, law enforcement agencies, investigations and/or court procedures
• Developing, implementing, evaluating and/or updating administrative processes
  
  

Leadership experience must also include demonstrated ability to:

• Oversee development of divisional budgets and annual spending plans
• Creatively resolving conflicting interests and concurrently managing multiple complex issues
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds, including public addresses and formal presentations
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree or coursework in a field related to regulation and program integrity, such as accounting, finance, criminal justice, law, public administration, or a related field.¿

Professional certifications: Such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).¿

Relevant Experience: Proven experience in areas overseen by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), such as elementary and secondary schools, community and adult education, libraries, and USDA food and nutrition programs.

Knowledge of Government Operations: In-depth understanding of Minnesota state government operations, policies, procedures, and applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and ethical standards relevant to MDE.

Analytical & Investigative Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess issues, evaluate data, and draw logical conclusions. Extensive experience conducting impartial investigations, gathering evidence, and preparing detailed, comprehensive reports. Extensive knowledge of systems and methods suitable for conducting regulatory and program integrity activities in the public sector and the ability to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate practical solutions in a programmatically complex environment.

Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex findings and recommendations to a range of stakeholders, including agency officials, legislators, and the public.

Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills, including team oversight, resource management, and fostering a positive work environment. Knowledge of intergovernmental roles, authorities, and relationships with respect to budget development and administration.

Integrity & Objectivity: Known for maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality in assessments and investigations, with a commitment to objectivity and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Solid understanding of relevant state and federal laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure alignment with legal standards and agency operations. Understanding of intergovernmental authorities and relationships with respect to legislation development and promulgation of administrative rules.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
  
  

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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 Tammy Funk at tammy.funk@state.mn.us or 651-582-8502.

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 Tammy Funk at tammy.funk@state.mn.us.

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.