What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Implementation Project Manager / Planning Director State position at State of Minnesota?
Working Title : Strategic Implementation Project Manager
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 : Regular
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 1 / 13. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position.
Date Posted : 01 / 06 / 2025
Closing Date : 01 / 21 / 2025
Hiring Agency / Seniority Unit : Children, Youth, and Families Dept / DCYF Central Office
Division / Unit : DCYF / Equity and External Relations Division
Work Shift : Day Shift
Work Hours : 8 : 00am - 4 : 30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 15% for conferences, partnerships, meetings, events
Salary Range : $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
Bargaining Unit / Union : 214 - MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities () : Yes
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.
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.
In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. The new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.
- Telework () ( Within Minnesota or neighboring states only; telework is not allowed in other states ) and flexible hours options are available .
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. This position focuses on recognizing and addressing performance and outcome gaps within DCYF’s systems, particularly those related to 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 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 coordinator will manage 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, and provide regular updates to the Director of Infrastructure and Development and other Directors as needed. The incumbent will lead 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 :
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.
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 :
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 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.
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
Salary : $76,650 - $114,004
