Working Title: Chief Strategy Officer
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association
Job ID : 95686
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 : 07/23/2026
Closing Date : 08/21/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Teachers Retirement Assoc / TRA-Managerial
Department/Division : TRA Legal and Legislative Dept / TRA Operations
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 10%
Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
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.
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates that have strong leadership skills and a background in strategic planning to serve as TRA's Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).
Our CSO position exists to provide leadership for the administrative strategic planning, legislative agenda, business continuity, process improvement, member and employer outreach, and data record retention efforts for TRA. The incumbent will develop, maintain, and implement a consistent, integrated administrative strategic management plan, ensuring the successful measurement and completion of strategic initiatives. Lastly, the incumbent is also responsible for improving organizational effectiveness using continuous improvement methodologies, leading and managing enterprise-wide projects to support the administrative strategic plan, and supporting the creation and measurement of TRA-wide performance measures, as well as the implementation of the agency's data retention and data practices policies and procedures.
This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes in-person work. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of progressive work experience in strategic planning initiatives that focus on: legislative affairs, business continuity, process improvement, stakeholder outreach, data governance, and/or records management.
A Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Emergency Management, Strategic Planning, Organizational Management, or a related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.
AND
One (1) year of experience managing or supervising multiple teams simultaneously to achieve organizational objectives.
Experience must further demonstrate the following:
Proven success in a leadership or supervisory capacity to oversee and direct the work of others, achieve organizational goals, and drive performance. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or management of large projects involving others.
The ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of state and federal public pension laws and regulations, as well as state government data privacy requirements.
Advanced data research, analytical, and interpretation skills sufficient to evaluate program effectiveness, establish goals and metrics, and lead process improvement initiatives.
A strong foundation in project and risk management principles, as well as strategic planning methodologies to mitigate organizational risk.
Excellent organizational skills with the proven ability to successfully lead, manage, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously.
Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate and consult on complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences, such as Executive Management, the TRA Board of Trustees, etc.
Strong interpersonal skills to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, as well as handle important matters that require sensitivity with discretion.
Demonstrated success in budget management, financial oversight, and the implementation of interdepartmental or enterprise-wide projects, policies, and initiatives.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Cisco WebEx, and/or various equivalent software platforms.
Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their transportation for business travel and/or conferences.
Preferred Qualifications
A Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree and/or an Advanced Degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public/Business Administration, Organizational Management, Strategic Planning, Continuous Improvement, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of experience managing or supervising multiple teams simultaneously to achieve organizational objectives
Knowledge of emergency preparedness and contingency planning, including the implementation of state and federal business continuity policies, and the application of FEMA's National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command Structure (ICS) protocols.
Certified MN Emergency Manager, Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or FEMA Continuity Professional Level I.
Knowledge of pension and/or retirement plan design, function, and administration.
Knowledge of human resources, labor relations (including managing staff within a unionized environment), health and other benefits, workers' compensation, that affect an employer's emergency and continuity planning.
Experience navigating legislative/governmental affairs, developing organizational communication strategies, and presenting to executive boards.
Knowledge of theories and practices of planning, evaluation, policy analysis, public Administration, and program development.
Physical Requirements
This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
Additional Requirements
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Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. *
It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
Criminal History Check
Employee Reference Check
Social Security and Address Verification
Education Verification
Driver's License Check
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.
