Data Practices Policy Analyst - State Program Administrative Senior/Principal

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

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Data Practices Policy Analyst to join the Data Practices Office within the Administration Department. This full-time role analyzes state and federal information policy laws, advises government and public partners on rights and responsibilities, and develops educational programs on data practices.

The position supports up to 50% hybrid telework, with some on-site trainings or attendance as needed, and involves drafting orders for hearing processes and possible

Qualifications

• JD required for all applicants.
• Two years of experience providing guidance, consultation, legal advice, and/or training on legal topics.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.
• One year of experience interpreting the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or fulfilling data requests.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, research, and interpret state and federal information policy laws (including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law).
• Provide advice to government and public partners about 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 hearings and final orders.
• Participate in the evaluation of proposed legislation.

Skills

Legal guidance

Training delivery

Communication of legal concepts

Independent time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

2 years of experience in providing guidance on legal topics

Master’s degree substitution for experience

Bachelor’s degree substitution for experience

Associate’s degree substitution for experience

One year of experience interpreting data practices law

Job description

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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.