Data Practices Policy Analyst - State Program Administrative Senior/Principal

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office seeks a Data Practices Policy Analyst to analyze and interpret state and federal information policy laws, advise government partners on rights and responsibilities, and deliver educational programs. The role involves data challenge appeal duties, including drafting orders for hearing and final orders for the Commissioner.

The position offers up to 50% hybrid telework and requires some travel for trainings with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience developing training or education materials.
• Excellent customer or client service skills, including engaged listening to evaluate and resolve issues.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including writing plain-language materials.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, research, and interpret state and federal information policy laws (e.g., Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law).
• Provide guidance to government and public partners on rights and responsibilities under these laws.
• Prepare and deliver educational programs and perform duties related to the data challenge appeal process, including drafting orders for hearing and final orders on behalf of the Commissioner.
• Participate in evaluating proposed legislation.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Time management

Clear communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Master's degree in public policy / public administration / public affairs / library science

Bachelor's degree may substitute for 1 year experience

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Data Practices Policy Analyst

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior/Principal

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 97634
• 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: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Data Practices Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - minimal to conduct trainings
• Salary Range - SPA Senior: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Salary Range - SPA Principal: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt (SPA Senior), Exempt - Administrative (SPA Principal)
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

This posting is being announced at two (2) different classification levels: Senior and Principal. The final job classification will be determined based on the selected finalist's qualifications.

The Data Practices Office (DPO) is looking for a professional to join our small, dynamic team at the Department of Administration. In this full-time position, you will work closely with Office colleagues to analyze, research, and interpret state and federal information policy laws - specifically including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Minnesota Open Meeting Law. You will provide advice to government and public partners about the rights and responsibilities under these laws. You will also prepare and deliver educational programs and perform duties related to the data challenge appeal process, which includes informal resolution activities and drafting orders for hearing and final orders on behalf of the Commissioner. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in the evaluation of proposed legislation.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, presenting at external partner locations and/or additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

State Program Administrator Senior (Policy Analyst)

• Juris Doctor (JD); and
• Two (2) years of experience providing guidance, consultation, legal advice, and/or training on legal topics.
• A Master's degree in public policy, public administration, public affairs, library science, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience as described above.
• A Bachelor’s degree as specified may substitute for one (1) year of experience as described.
• An Associate’s degree as specified may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.

State Program Administrator Principal (Senior Policy Analyst)

• Juris Doctor (JD); and
• Three (3) years of experience providing guidance, consultation, legal advice, and/or training on legal topics.
• A Master's degree in public policy, public administration, public affairs, library science, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience as described above.
• A Bachelor’s degree as specified may substitute for one (1) year of experience as described.
• An Associate’s degree as specified may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.
• One (1) year of experience interpreting the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or fulfilling data requests.

In addition, successful applicants at all levels must also have:

• Experience developing training or education materials.
• Excellent customer or client service skills, which includes comprehensive and engaged/active listening skills to evaluate and resolve issues.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including writing informative, plain language materials.
• Ability to work independently using strong time management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in state, local, or Tribal government.
• Experience with administrative rulemaking.
• Experience with the legislative process.
• Experience with virtual training platforms such as Webex, Microsoft Teams, or similar.
• Knowledge of or experience interpreting any of the following laws: Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Open Meeting Law, child and vulnerable adult maltreatment reporting acts, federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, federal Privacy Act of 1974, federal Freedom of Information Act, state medical records laws, federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and Privacy Rule, federal rules relating to confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records (42 CFR Part 2), or other specific statutes and rules (federal and state) that form the basis of public information policy requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check and education verification through American Databank, along with employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
• Minimal traveling (<5%) will be required to conduct trainings with external stakeholders and partners.
• Applicants will be required to provide a work sample demonstrating writing skills and must complete a short writing exercise as part of the interviewing and selection process.

About The Department Of Administration

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

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