Director of Training and Prevention / Dir Child & Family Services

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

State employee benefits

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Director to lead Training and Prevention for Children, Youth & Families. You will oversee the CSP training academy, FFPSA, CQI, and division-wide operations, shaping policy and program delivery to improve child welfare outcomes.

This executive role requires collaboration with internal divisions and external partners. As a senior leader, you will align agency priorities with state goals, manage budgets and contracts, and guide staff through complex policy

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in public policy and administration managing programs (child safety, prevention, training)
• Experience with Minnesota child welfare system and policy/ program development
• Budget, contract, grants management, and legislative processes knowledge

Responsibilities

• Represent DCYF and the CSP Assistant Commissioner across the agency and with external groups.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the CSP training, FFPSA, CQI, and division-wide operations to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Direct CSP administration leadership to resolve cross-division issues and align agency-wide priorities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Policy & administration

Strategic planning

Negotiation & conflict

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Job Class: Director Children & Family Services

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Working Title: Director of Training and Prevention / Dir Child & Family Services

Job Class: Director Children & Family Services

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 97506
• 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: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
• Division/Unit: DCYF/Asst Commr ChildSafety&Perman
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, Statewide travel for meetings as needed.
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.)

• Statewide travel for meetings as needed.

This position provides strategic leadership and high-level oversight for Child Safety & Permanency’s (CSP) Training and Prevention functions, representing and advancing the priorities of the Assistant Commissioner through cross-division coordination, policy development, and executive-level issue resolution. The Director ensures representation for all areas in agency-wide policy and administrative activities, alignment of the Child Welfare Training Academy, Families First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and division wide operational activities across CSP, strengthens agency-wide collaboration, and supports effective, consistent implementation of child welfare policies and practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing DCYF and the CSP Assistant Commissioner across the agency and with external groups.
• In consultation with the Assistant Commissioner, providing strategic leadership and high-level oversight of the Child Welfare Training Academy, FFPSA, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and division wide operations CSP to achieve improved outcomes for children and families served by CSP’s programs and simplify and streamline program requirements for recipients and external partners.
• On behalf of the Assistant Commissioner, providing direction to CSP administration leadership and staff to address and facilitate the resolution of issues and roadblocks, including those that cross divisions, administration and agency boundaries.

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.**

Demonstrated leadership experience*

• Leadership experience can include:
• Experience as a supervisor, leadworker, team lead, project lead;
• A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment.
• 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

Five (5) years of experience in public policy and administration managing programs which may include: strategic planning; directing the work of staff in the areas of child safety, prevention, training; and/or implementation of federal and state laws. Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Experience in and knowledge of the Minnesota child welfare system.
• Experience with strategic, resource and operational planning.
• Experience with negotiations and conflict resolutions.
• Public policy analysis and development sufficient to develop and coordinate policy and programs to improve performance outcomes.
• Administering and overseeing budget, contract and grants management, and legislative processes.
• Understanding of Tribal Sovereignty.
• Knowledge of Federal and State government practices or programs.
• Knowledge of organizational management, including contract and budget management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the State of Minnesota political and legislative processes.
• Thorough and extensive knowledge and experience in child welfare programs and operations.
• Experience with strategic planning and change management.
• Experience with and /or familiarity working with Tribal nations.
• Knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws such as Minnesota African American Preservation Child Welfare Act (MAAFPCWA), ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act), MIFPA (Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act), or similar child- and family-related Tribal policies and statutes.
• Understanding of disparities and disproportionality in child welfare.
• 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

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Rebecca St. George at [e-mail].

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.