Project Coordinator - Planning Director State

Job Details

Working Title: Project Coordinator
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 93699
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 04/23/2026
• Closing Date: 05/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCY - Central Office / OIG Ops, Policy & Analytics
• Work Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 05/17/2028
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

Job Summary

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

• This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; the position is expected to last up to two years.

This position manages/directs the Office of Inspector General approach to strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness through strategic communication, guidance, and authoritative consultation to OIG leadership, commissioner and other senior leaders with the goal of advancing agency-wide, cross-administration and cross-governmental/sector initiatives.

Domains of responsibility include:

• Leading high-level (agency-wide, administration-wide or cross-agency/governmental) efforts directed at organizational effectiveness, alignment, equity, and change management
• Directing strategic planning and evaluation implementation efforts across multiple partners to drive decision-making and policy development at the highest levels for short- and long-range impacts
• Providing strategic direction on a system of leadership that advances the agency’s mission and develops current and future leaders

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Project management, leading complex projects across administrations and organizations designed to provide strategic leadership.
• Building and overseeing effective workgroups and teams with a variety of stakeholders and perspectives.
• Facilitation of group discussions, public speaking, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Leading the development of detailed action plans.
• Engaging and collaborating with executive-level or senior leadership on strategic, organizational, or policy initiatives.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Strategic communication with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable messages.
• Complex problem solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Relationship-building across diverse internal and external partners.
• Strong human relations skills set with ability to inform, facilitate, negotiation with and broker agreements between individuals and groups.
• Executive presence and confidence when engaging senior leaders or representing the agency.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment when analyzing complex issues or recommending actions.
• Problem-solving and creativity in designing solutions for multi-system or cross-agency challenges.
• Active listening to elicit input, understanding concerns, and support effective team dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, public administration or related field.
• Knowledge of state government programs and their interrelationships and an understanding of human services.
• Experience using continuous improvement or performance frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Balanced Scorecard, RBA).
• Working with regulatory, compliance, or federal oversight processes, including understanding federal requirements and carrying out related actions.
• Familiarity with large-scale technology, data, or evaluation systems used in government settings.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

Application Details

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 Amy Hamma at amy.hamma@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 Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.