Data Strategy and Governance Manager - State Prog Admin Manager Sr

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 93,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Pension plan

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Data Strategy and Governance Manager within the DCYF Strategy and Technology Office. This senior role will establish and lead enterprise data governance, data strategy, and cross-agency initiatives to support DCYF priorities.

The incumbent will collaborate with data management, research, and analytics partners across DCYF and beyond to drive data-informed decisions. Responsibilities include guiding data governance practices, enhancing data sharing, and aligning

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in data analysis/management, data program or data project management, or data governance.
• Strong understanding of human services regulations and administrative processes.
• Experience leading cross-agency programs or data initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage enterprise data governance practices aligned with best practices.
• Enhance data sharing and collaboration with legal and compliance teams.
• Bridge business/IT relationships to transform data management across the agency.
• Champion data work with State leadership and secure sustainable funding.
• Provide data governance and decision-making pathways with stakeholders.

Skills

Data governance

Data analysis

Project management

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Data Strategy and Governance Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 97474
• 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: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF / DCYF Strategy and Technology Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift/8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.

*Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is hiring a Data Strategy and Governance Manager within the Strategy and Technology Office! This position is a human/social services enterprise level manager and will establish, lead and manage enterprise and cross-agency data management strategy, and governance initiatives, polices and processes to support the DCYF priorities and mission. The incumbent is the agency lead data manager 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 DCYF and cross-agency counterparts.

This position will further:

• Establish and manage data governance practices and processes, in alignment with the Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK).
• Enhance data sharing and integration in collaboration with legal and compliance.
• 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 sustainable funding models and modern data science methodologies.
• Provide strong data practice and systems governance by creating decision-making pathways that are informed by close consultation with internal and external interested parties.
• Supervise enterprise data management staff to ensure forward progress on activities and initiatives outline in the DCYF Data Strategy.

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, day and year for each job held.**

Five (5) years of experience in data analysis/management, data program or data project management, data governance or a related role, with a strong understanding of human services regulations and administrative processes.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge and experience in data management/governance, security practices and technologies that enable the strategic use of data and the ability to establish tactical plans for execution.
• Program/project management or relationship management experience to efficiently manage cross-agency programs/systems, policies, and processes to meet business needs and produce high visibility/high impact deliverables.
• Strategic planning and implementation of large, complex business initiatives and/or technologies.
• Experience using reliable data sources to drive decision making and solve problems.
• Ability to prioritize projects and initiatives by aligning people and resources to meet the needs and strategies of the organization.

AND

Demonstrated leadership* experience

• Leadership experience can include:
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4)
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include:
• 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements may be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Strong leadership skills that enable the resolution of conflicts so positive outcomes are achieved.
• Collaboration with business partners to translate and ensure business needs and outcomes are achieved.
• Ability to successfully navigate and interact with key partners, decisionmakers, and subject matter experts representing different disciplines that need to be involved in planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and implementation for new and operational data transformations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of data management best practices, including core competencies of the Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK).
• Extensive understanding of the legal and compliance issues related to Minnesota's human services data and delivery systems.
• Experience creating and/or implementing an enterprise Data Strategy in a public sector setting.
• Experience building and implementing data governance processes, procedures, and policies in a public sector setting.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:
• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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.