Working Title: Continuous Improvement Analyst
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Human Services Dept
Job ID : 92221
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 : 02/13/2026
Closing Date : 02/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
Division/Unit : DHS-Central Office / MS DHS OCI Project
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS 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.
This position is eligible for telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.
As a Senior Continuous Improvement Analyst, you will support the Department of Human Services' (DHS) efforts in continuous improvement and innovation. This individual functions as an internal consultant and subject matter expert in continuous improvement, project leadership, data analysis, training development, and facilitation. This individual applies that expertise to grow the culture of Continuous Improvement (CI) by leading improvement initiatives, developing and delivering CI training, and mentoring leaders and staff in best practices. This individual solves the most complex problems and leads the most sensitive and challenging projects within the Office of Continuous Improvement and provides coaching and mentorship to other members of the team and staff at all levels leading their own improvement efforts. This position has regular contact and communication with DHS management, executive leadership, Counties, Tribal Nations, and staff of other State agencies.
Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
Lead complex improvement projects across the agency.
Develop and deliver CI training and mentorship to DHS staff at all levels throughout the agency.
Provide mentorship and coaching of CI principles, tools, and techniques.
Serve as DHS OCI liaison with DHS management and representative of DHS OCI.
Support change management activities for CI projects to ensure successful adoption of improvements and solutions.
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 with continuous improvement. Experience must demonstrate:
The application of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies and principles to improvement efforts within an organization.
Leadership of multiple process improvement projects.
Delivery of CI trainings.
Expertise with DMAIC/DMADV or similar methodology to include defining a problem, analyzing data to understand the problem, identifying solutions and process improvements to solve the problem.
Application of project management theory and practice to CI projects including effective communication of timelines, progress, and results.
Experience conducting data planning, collection, analysis, and reporting.
Utilization of a variety of CI tools and approaches, including customizing tools and templates to support unique business needs.
Facilitation of continuous improvement events such as process mapping, root cause analysis, Kaizen, solution design sessions, or similar.
Experience collaborating effectively across all levels of an organization, from the C-Suite to frontline staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Certification in Continuous Improvement methodologies such as LEAN, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Formal training or certification in project management tools or methodologies, including using project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, communication plans, task tracking and project plans, etc.).
Developing CI trainings.
Knowledge of DHS programs and their interrelationships and an understanding of human services policy and procedures, and of government functions and relations.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - DHS 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.
