Data Practices Officer

Teachers Retirement Association; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Teachers Retirement Association seeks a Data Practices Officer to lead data privacy, data practices, and records management, including development of retention policies and processing of data sharing. The role supervises data systems and ensures compliance with applicable laws while serving as a knowledge resource for managers and staff.

The position requires significant in-person work in Saint Paul, MN, with up to 35% travel to multiple worksites and for continuity planning, along with the

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressive experience in Data Management or Government Program Compliance with data laws.
• Bachelor’s degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience leading or supervising staff.
• Experience developing and implementing initiatives or policies.
• Knowledge of state/federal data privacy laws (e.g., Minnesota Government Data Practices Act).
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to explain technical information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for data privacy, data practices, records management and document retention.
• Supervise TRA Records and Data Management systems and evaluate current practices.
• Develop processes to gather and share data; enforce compliance with Data Practices laws.
• Oversee public data requests and ensure proper handling of data.
• Serve as a resource for managers on data maintained by TRA; develop data practices training program for employees.
• Travel up to 35% to support records management across worksites and continuity meetings.

Skills

Leadership experience

Data governance

Data management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Legal Studies / related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Outlook

Cisco WebEx

Job description

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 with strong data analysis, data governance, and/or data program management skills to serve as TRA’s Data Practices Officer.

Our Data Practices Officer position exists to provide leadership for the data privacy, data practices, records management, and document retention responsibilities of TRA. The position will be responsible for the supervision of TRA Records and Data Management systems, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and recommending revisions when appropriate; and developing the processes used to gather and share data. This role will also enforce compliance with related laws including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, and oversee public data requests. Lastly, the incumbent hired into this position will serve as a resource for managers, supervisors, and employees regarding data maintained by TRA, and will develop and maintain a data practices training program for all employees.

This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes substantial in-person work to manage physical records. Business travel will be required for this role, up to 35% of the time, in order to manage physical records and related duties at multiple worksites, as well as to provide back-up support for off-sites business continuity meetings.

Job closing date: November 5th, 2026 at 11:59PM CT.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of progressive, work experience in Data Management, Data Retention Schedule Creation, or Government Program Compliance working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Actor a similar body of law, regulation, or legislation.

**A Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience. **

Work experience must demonstrate the following:

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or serving as a high-level subject matter expert of a complex program.
• Experience in developing, documenting, and implementing initiatives, processes, programs or policies.
• Experience with state and federal data privacy laws and requirements, such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, sufficient to respond to requests for information.
• Experience working with state records retention laws, such as the Minnesota Records Retention lawsufficient to create and/or manage various retention schedules.
• Ability to research and interpret state and federal public information laws and regulations sufficient to respond to data practices requests, including collecting and analyzing data to determine its proper classification and safeguarding not public data.
• Strong research and analytical skills in order to navigate complex regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills to manage and convey technical information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders, and fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Cisco WebEx; or equivalent software packages.

Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for business travel. Travel may be required up to 35% of the time for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience working withMinnesota Records Retention law.
• Experience successfully managing a budget.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations related to data privacy violations.
• An Advanced degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

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

** 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
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check

Contact

If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at [e-mail].

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

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $41.58 - $60.10/hourly; $86,819 - $125,489/ annually and the compensation offer will be dependent upon candidate qualifications.

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.