Working Title: Director of Special Investigations
Job Class: State Auditor's Office Management Level 2
Agency: State Auditor
Job ID : 92630
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 : 03/05/2026
Closing Date : 03/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : State Auditor / State Auditor-Managerial
Division/Unit : Human Resources Unit / Special Investigations
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of time
Salary Range: $38.98 - $67.15 / hourly; $81,390 - $140,209 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This position oversees financial investigations and reviews of issues related to possible mishandling of public funds held by local government units, including potential violations of statutes and standards related to theft, misuse of public monies, fraudulent schemes, and other similar statutes governing the proper handling of public funds. The Director provides leadership to and supervision of division investigators and other staff in setting division priorities and ensuring investigations and reviews are adequately staffed, completed within established deadlines, and conducted in accordance with professional standards. This position directs the investigation of complex, difficult, and controversial cases, including cases that may result in criminal or administrative proceedings. The Director also reviews all investigative reports and review letters to ensure they follow applicable investigative and examination standards and that the conclusions are clear and reasonable.
Other duties as assigned by the Deputy State Auditor.
As Special Investigations Director at the Office of the State Auditor, you will direct, lead, and manage assigned team members by providing focused support to all staff and aligning their work to the Office of the State Auditor's priorities.
This position oversees the OSA's special investigations function and the Special Investigations division staff members. It is responsible for setting the focus and priorities of the division and developing and managing an investigative program that efficiently employs thorough and impeccable legal and financial analyses to examine and report upon areas of improper handling of public dollars held by local government.
This position oversees the division's work in assessing, prioritizing, and, when appropriate, investigating and responding to concerns and issues received by the OSA from citizens, private CPAs, mandated reporters, and others that suggest local government financial misconduct.
This position leads the research of topics for training legal/special investigators, student workers, interns, and others regarding changes in laws and financial accounting standards affecting local governments and fraud prevention.
Minimum Qualifications
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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Experience must include:
Juris Doctorate degree;
5 years of experience leading a team conducting investigations involving fraud, financial misconduct, or compliance;
Knowledge of and experience using up-to-date, advanced fraud investigation methods and techniques;
Experience working with or within oversight entities such as law enforcement, state agencies, or federal agencies; and
Proven ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively in writing, including investigative reports, legal summaries, and policy documents.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Law or a related field; or Certified Public Accountant licensure with forensic accounting experience;
Experience managing teams through change with resilience, clear communication, and a focus on maintaining performance and morale;
Experience with legislative and/or court processes, including providing testimony;
Demonstrated ability to manage complex fraud investigations involving multiple stakeholders;
Experience leading or contributing to the development of internal controls, compliance frameworks, or investigative protocols;
Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, including fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service or investigative work;
Experience managing or contributing to the development and oversight of program or division budgets; and
Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity, including experience working effectively with diverse communities and promoting equity in investigative practices.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to transport or move up to 15 pounds.
Must have ability to move through work space and maintain a stationary position throughout work day.
Additional Requirements
Job offer is contingent upon candidate passing a job-related background check that may include the following: reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and driver's history check prior to appointment.
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
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.
