Working Title: Early Childhood Special Projects Manager / State Prog Admin Manager Sr Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior Agency: Children Youth \& Families Dept Job ID: 98291 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. *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. Date Posted: 11/06/2026 Closing Date: 11/30/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth \& Families Dept / DeptChildYth\&Fam-Managerial Division/Unit: DCYF/Early Childhood Work Shift: Day Shift Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No 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: 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. *Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.) Occasional out-of-state and in-state travel (six to eight times per year). This position exists to serve as the Early Childhood Administration Special Projects Manager and technical advisor to the Assistant Commissioner of Early Childhood at the Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families regarding cross division and cross agency coordination and alignment for early childhood education programs and policies. The primary purpose of this position within the Early Childhood Administration is to support the administration's cross-division efforts to create an equitable early childhood system by partnering across divisions, and with other government agencies, families and communities to build a strong early care and education system, increasing opportunities and eliminating barriers that exist in access, policies, programs and practices in that system. With a focus on shared outcomes, cross-agency grants and projects within the early care and education state system, including coordination of the of the Preschool Development Grant, the administration's ecosystem and theory of change work, as well as other interagency grants as appropriate, this position will manage and coordinate implementation efforts, develop strategies and frameworks to advance early childhood systems change and drive solutions. The incumbent must maintain deep knowledge on early childhood programs such as early childhood screening, public preschool, Head Start, early learning scholarships, Child Care Assistant Program (CCAP), Parent Aware and Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program, among others, and represent the administration in cross-agency initiatives. The incumbent also works in close partnership with the Assistant Commissioner and program directors to lead innovative early childhood projects that span across divisions, state agencies, stakeholder groups and diverse communities. Responsibilities Include Provide leadership, coordination, oversite, facilitation and meaningful support for assigned cross administration activities and grants to support improved coordination and alignment across the early care and education system. In coordination with the directors, implement early childhood and cross-agency initiatives in support of early childhood and in alignment with the early childhood ecosystem and associated theories of change. Meet early childhood administration outcomes by planning, delegating, using project control charts, conducting interim progress review and monitoring performance. Supervise and/or lead early childhood staff to achieve the objectives of the cross administration and/or cross agency special projects or grants through recommendation or exercise of authority to hire, promote, evaluate performance, reward, discipline, suspend, discharge, assign work, adjust grievances, write position descriptions, and provide first level administration of applicable labor contracts of employees. Implement a strategic early childhood administration communication plan in partnership with other child and family serving systems so that federal and state partners and recipients of programs and services stay informed of progress in the implementation of early childhood administration and cross-agency activities and meeting milestones. 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.** Demonstrated leadership experience* Leadership experience can include: Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead; A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment. Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4); A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG). Experience must include: 1 year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions 100 hours per year time commitment AND Five (5) Years Of Experience Working Directly With Policy Development, Consultation, Engagement Social Services Or Public Sector Collaboration AND Of Those At Least Three (3) Years Of Leadership Or Supervisory Experience, Including Experience Leading Cross-functional Or Cross-agency Teams Or Initiatives. Experience Must Demonstrate The Following Program development -- seeing projects through from beginning to end Project management and coordination experience, including strategic planning and budgeting Continuous improvement and quality assurance Providing strategic direction, manage performance, mentor staff, and foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and accountability. Developing data-informed tracking systems and flexible funding strategies Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process: Exceptional interpersonal and facilitation skills to build strong relationships with internal divisions and external partners, including Tribal Nations, community organizations, and local governments Proficiency in interpreting and applying data to inform decision-making, evaluate outcomes, and improve services Strong collaboration skills and experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures Preferred Qualifications Experience working in public sector, preferably large size (100 employees). Progression experience within an organization from front line worker to senior leadership. Advanced level interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate conversations and decisions that have significant operating and policy implications and may involve competing priorities among executive leadership. Completion of project management, change management, or strategic planning training or certificate. Experience developing and implementing enterprise level projects, or projects with a statewide impact. Experience using performance metrics, results-based accountability, or other data-driven methodologies to evaluate, implement, and monitor project and program success. 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 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 the position, contact Nikki Kovan at Nikki.Kovan@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Anny Xiong at anny.xiong@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.
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