Data Governance and Strategy Consultant / Human Services Program Consultant

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Data Governance and Strategy Consultant to establish data management and data strategy initiatives across the Office of Inspector General and DHS partners. You will lead governance frameworks and promote data‑driven decision making, partnering with MNIT, legal, and analytics teams to drive improvements.

The role emphasizes collaboration, data quality, and implementing modern governance methodologies, with a standard daytime schedule and

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in the development, implementation, and management of data governance policies and procedures.
• Collaboration on data access and approval frameworks that balance usability, compliance, and/or security that assure compliance with governance standards.
• Developing planning efforts, assessing program effectiveness, proposing solutions to resolve issues, and/or identifying strategic opportunities aligned with organizational goals, analytics needs, and/or regulatory requirements.
• Managing the implementation of governance processes and frameworks with the collaboration of business and technical partners.
• Identification of governance‑related risks impacting reporting accuracy, analytics outcomes, and/or compliance.
• Coaching and guidance to stakeholders on applying governance standards in day‑to‑day work.
• Knowledge of the Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK) and other data strategy and management best practices, particularly when implemented in public sector
• Understanding of legal and compliance issues related to Minnesota’s human and social services delivery system and related authorities and limitations as it relates to management of state and federal data, data management technology, and state and federal procurement processes
• Knowledge of Data Privacy Best‑practices, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. 13), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other state and federal data security and appropriate use policies.
• Experience in the following applications/data systems: MMIS, MAXIS, MEC2, LIS/ELMS, DEED, case tracking applications, NetStudy 2.0, SSIS.
• Experience implementing data governance strategies within Databricks, dbt, Azure, and/or Tableau.
• Experience fostering organizational change and systems modernization in data collection, analysis, reporting, and visualization to reflect best‑practice in scientific knowledge and technology.
• Incorporating data into policy recommendations, objectives, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Skilled in verbal and written communications to synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and ideas and present them in a succinct, easily understandable fashion.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of data governance frameworks and initiatives that advance data strategy aligned to the DHS mission and vision, DHS Equity Policy, DHS strategic plan, analytics needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote data quality, consistency, and integrity through metadata management, data definitions, and data quality monitoring practices.
• Enhance data sharing and integration in collaboration with Minnesota IT (MNIT), legal, and compliance.
• Monitor governance performance and advise leadership on data maturity, governance risks, and opportunities to improve data‑driven decision making.
• Manage and bridge all levels of business/IT relationships needed to support the alignment and where needed, transformation of data management practices, roles and responsibilities across the entire agency.
• Champion the agency’s data work with State leadership and on the national stage by seeking and implementing modern data science and governance methodologies.

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Data Governance and Strategy Consultant

Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97033
• 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: 09/15/2026
• Closing Date: 09/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-DSA DS Product Analytics
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,399 - $113,274 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS 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.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

This position exists to establish and lead data management and data strategy initiatives to support the priorities and mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The incumbent is responsible for creating and supporting a culture of data‑informed decision making across the agency, in collaboration with data management, research, and analytics partners across Department of Human Services (DHS) and cross‑agency counterparts.

This position will:

• Lead the development and implementation of data governance frameworks and initiatives that advance data strategy aligned to the DHS mission and vision, DHS Equity Policy, DHS strategic plan, analytics needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote data quality, consistency, and integrity through metadata management, data definitions, and data quality monitoring practices.
• Enhance data sharing and integration in collaboration with Minnesota IT (MNIT), legal, and compliance.
• Monitor governance performance and advise leadership on data maturity, governance risks, and opportunities to improve data‑driven decision making.
• Manage and bridge all levels of business/IT relationships needed to support the alignment and where needed, transformation of data management practices, roles and responsibilities across the entire agency.
• Champion the agency’s data work with State leadership and on the national stage by seeking and implementing modern data science and governance methodologies.

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 and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years of experience in the development, implementation, and management of data governance policies and procedures.

AND

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Collaboration on data access and approval frameworks that balance usability, compliance, and/or security that assure compliance with governance standards.
• Developing planning efforts, assessing program effectiveness, proposing solutions to resolve issues, and/or identifying strategic opportunities aligned with organizational goals, analytics needs, and/or regulatory requirements.
• Managing the implementation of governance processes and frameworks with the collaboration of business and technical partners.
• Identification of governance‑related risks impacting reporting accuracy, analytics outcomes, and/or compliance.
• Coaching and guidance to stakeholders on applying governance standards in day‑to‑day work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK) and other data strategy and management best practices, particularly when implemented in public sector
• Understanding of legal and compliance issues related to Minnesota’s human and social services delivery system and related authorities and limitations as it relates to management of state and federal data, data management technology, and state and federal procurement processes
• Knowledge of Data Privacy Best‑practices, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. 13), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other state and federal data security and appropriate use policies.
• Experience in the following applications/data systems: MMIS, MAXIS, MEC2, LIS/ELMS, DEED, case tracking applications, NetStudy 2.0, SSIS.
• Experience implementing data governance strategies within Databricks, dbt, Azure, and/or Tableau.
• Experience fostering organizational change and systems modernization in data collection, analysis, reporting, and visualization to reflect best‑practice in scientific knowledge and technology.
• Incorporating data into policy recommendations, objectives, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Skilled in verbal and written communications to synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and ideas and present them in a succinct, easily understandable fashion.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Criminal background check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3‑business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Peder Garnaas‑Halvorson at [e-mail].

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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