Research and Data Analyst Team Lead - Research Scientist 3

When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Lead Research and Data Analyst
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/15/2023
• Closing Date: 10/05/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Children and Family Services / MFIP Strategic Projects
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.13 – $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

*** Telework (Within Minnesota or Neighboring States) and flexible hours options are available.***

As a Lead Research and Data Analyst of the Research and Evaluation Team, this person will coordinate, plan, design and conduct evaluation and research, performance measurement and data analysis for Minnesota’s cash and food assistance programs. This includes the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Diversionary Work Program (DWP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and their overlaps with other program areas within and external to DHS. Members of the team interpret data and study results to inform management of possible policy and program changes and execute highly technical analyses necessary to support management decisions and strategic planning for program outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Act as a team leader for divisional and interdivisional data analysis and research projects so that research studies and related data analyses are completed on time and within budget.
• Develop standardized processes and procedures for efficient team workflows, and methods/systems of collaborating with other divisions and administrations.
• Assist with quality assurance and represent team to internal and external customers.
• Develop and execute highly technical analyses in association with studies of public program utilization, performance measurement, policy analysis, and evaluations of demonstration projects.
• Interpret data analyses and research studies to inform management and staff of possible policy and program changes.
• Prepare research reports for various technical and non-technical audiences including DHS management and staff, local agencies, community groups, and professional associations.
• Provide technical consultation to modernization and agency transition data projects.

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 and year for each job held.**

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, data science, analytics, research, public administration, or related discipline.
• Four (4) years professional research experience in public service, public policy, social sciences, analytics or a related area that demonstrates significant experience in these areas:
  • Coordinating the work of other analysts, developing standard operating procedures, training, or mentoring;
  • Writing complex queries using SQL, SAS, R (or equivalent) to extract data from relational databases; utilizing data warehouse environments (or similar);
  • Analysis with statistical software such as R, SAS (or equivalent);
  • Creating dashboards, reports, and other methods of synthesizing analytic results;
  • Utilizing data from state and federal assistance, health or other programs and resulting data systems;
  • And at least one of these areas:
    • Designing and conducting studies or evaluation utilizing qualitative methods;
    • Designing and conducting studies or evaluation utilizing quantitative methods.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in social science, data science, analytics, research, public administration, or related field.
• Experience leading work that integrates a complex set of programs, policy areas and/or data sets.
• Expertise in state and federal food and cash assistance programs and resulting data, especially MAXIS.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different background and cultures.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas of minimum qualifications.

Additional Requirements

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

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Kristen Boelcke-Stennes at kristen.boelcke-stennes@state.mn.us.

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 Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.