Working Title: Innovation Project Coordinator (Temporary) / Planning Dir State
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 96003
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited/Temporary
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers.
Date Posted : 08/03/2026
Closing Date : 08/21/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
Division/Unit : DCYF/Management/Operations
Work Shift : Day Shift
Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
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/) : 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.
* Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.)
**This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; the position may last up to 3 years.
This position will help build the new innovation team tasked with strengthening collaboration, as well as testing and launching ideas that improve the agency's programs, operations and how we deliver services to children, youth, and families. The Innovation Project Coordinator is responsible for guiding multiple parallel innovation initiatives from initial concept to launch. This position manages/directs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) agency-wide approach to embedding innovation throughout the agency, while uplifting the DCYF strategic plan, whole family approach, and organizational effectiveness. They will actualize the work through developing technical tools, user experience engagement, communication, and assistance to senior leaders with the goal of advancing agency-wide, cross-administration and cross-governmental/sector initiatives.
Responsibilities include:
Lead cross agency teams in the ongoing planning and project management process for enterprise-wide, high-impact projects.
Lead and coordinate DCYF and external partner engagement initiatives that embed user experience into program and operations efforts.
Assist the DCYF programmatic, operations and executive team leaders with ad hoc project management efforts that improve agency innovation.
Create technical tools to advance agency-wide activities, which may include a combination of data analytics; programming; user experience design; prototyping; grant writing, etc.
Other duties as assigned.
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.
Four (4) years of strong consulting/project management, analytical and problem-solving skills focused on large scale, highly visible projects with the ability to think strategically and align projects with business goals. Experience must demonstrate:
Agile and adaptive project management methodologies that support leading complex projects across administrations.
Technical skills that move forward projects, which must include a combination of at least two of the following data analytics, programming, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, user experience design, prototyping, and/or grant writing.
Complex problem solving and strategic thinking skills utilizing multiple levers for change in advancing solutions, such as financing, technology, communications, policy development and implementation, procurement, and relationships.
Facilitation of group discussions, public speaking, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
Strong human relations skills set with ability to inform, facilitate, negotiate with and broker agreements between individuals and groups **.
Preferred Qualifications**
Advanced level analytical ability with extensive background in roles related in government.
Knowledge of state government programs and their interrelationships and an understanding of policy and procedures in children, youth, and family-serving programs, and of government functions and relations.
Experience with at least four of the following: data analytics, programming, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, user experience design, prototyping, and grant writing.
Experience working with and ability to work with executive leadership.
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
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.
