Evaluation and Insights Analyst - Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Evaluation and Insights Analyst leads qualitative and quantitative evaluations for the Paid Leave program. This role analyzes program data to guide strategy and continuous improvement, provides evaluation support and technical assistance to internal teams, and manages research partnerships.

The focus is on equitable outcomes and meaningful impact for Minnesota's communities. This position will be based in the St.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of research and evaluation experience with quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Education substitutions may apply as described by the agency.
• Experience with mixed-method evaluations in new environments without established systems.
• Experience manipulating data with R, Python, or STATA.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external research partners.
• Experience presenting data and research to diverse audiences.
• Experience applying equity-focused evaluation approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative and quantitative evaluations for the Paid Leave program.
• Analyze program data to guide strategy and continuous improvement.
• Provide evaluation support and technical assistance to internal teams.
• Manage research partnerships and ensure timely delivery of findings.
• Promote equity and meaningful impact through evaluation results.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Research methods

Mixed-methods evaluation

Data presentation

Equity-focused evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, statistics, sociology, or related field

Tools

SQL

Job description

Working Title: Evaluation and Insights Analyst

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 96431
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/01/2026.
• Date Posted: 08/21/2026
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

About The Paid Leave Division

Paid Leave is a new program that launched in January 2026. The program will provide partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child. We have built a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. We are engaging the people who depend on us-workers, employers, caregivers, and insurers-to learn from them and build the program around their needs. We are using modern delivery service and product practices to deliver the program. The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start-up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human-centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.

Position Purpose

The Evaluation and Insights Analyst leads qualitative and quantitative evaluations for the Paid Leave program. This role analyzes program data to guide strategy and continuous improvement, provides evaluation support and technical assistance to internal teams, and manages research partnerships. The Evaluation and Insights Analyst helps ensure the Paid Leave team stays focused on delivering equitable outcomes, a positive user experience, and meaningful impact for Minnesota's most marginalized communities. This position will be based out of the St. Paul office. This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.

Three (3) years* of experience conducting research and evaluation work, including performing quantitative and qualitative analyses, developing evaluation methods or models, and turning data findings into recommendations that guide program strategy and planning.

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, statistics, sociology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience developing and conducting mixed method evaluations in an environment without established systems or precedents.
• Experience manipulating and analyzing data using software comparable to R, Python, or STATA.
• Experience working with internal and external partners on research and evaluation projects.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams to promote a culture of learning and program improvement.
• Experience with written or oral presentations of data and research to a variety of audiences.
• Experience designing and applying evaluation approaches that advance equity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple research partnerships or projects and balance competing priorities.
• Experience using Structured Query Language (SQL) or a similar language to query and analyze large data sets.
• Experience establishing and maintaining data sharing agreements and research partnerships.
• Knowledge of Minnesota state government processes and programs, especially health and human services programs.
• Ability to independently plan, design, and conduct rigorous evaluations with minimal precedent, while flexibly adapting methodologies as programs evolve, priorities shift, or new data emerges.
• Experience partnering with stakeholders to implement research findings to improve policy.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nellie Saunders at [e-mail].

Working together to improve the state we love.

• 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
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.