Dispute Resolution Program Administrator - State Program Administrator Principal

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Administration seeks a Dispute Resolution Program Administrator to lead collaboration and dispute resolution projects across state agencies. You will support and manage the OCDR's programs, provide training, and coordinate grant processes while ensuring compliance with policies and strategic goals.

Travel up to 15% and a potential 50% hybrid telework arrangement are expected. Strong mediation, facilitation, and communication skills are essential to advance inclusive

Qualifications

• Three years of experience as mediator, facilitator, counselor, coach, or similar.
• Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor's for 1 year; Associate's for 6 months.
• Strong communication and presentation skills are essential.
• Ability to work irregular hours and travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Supporting strategic collaboration with community dispute resolution centers by working with partners and grantees to expand coverage across the State.
• Administering the OCDR grant program and ensuring compliance with State policy and procedures.
• Coordinating OCDR activities and administrative functions to align with divisional objectives and agency policies.
• Assisting public entities in collaborating and resolving disputes as lead neutral or on a team of neutrals.
• Conducting outreach and researching dispute resolution needs and resources in Minnesota.
• Providing training on problem-solving, conflict resolution, collaboration, public engagement, and organizational conflict management.
• Staying current on best practices in public policy dispute resolution.

Skills

Mediation experience

Facilitation

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competency

Education

Master's degree in dispute resolution or related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Teams

WebEx

Job description

• Job ID: 96875
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Collab and Dispute Res Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 15%
• Salary Range: $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: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Dispute Resolution Program Administrator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Agency: Administration Dept

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.

The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution (OCDR) designs and facilitates collaborative processes to help government and stakeholders improve relationships, build trust, and develop wise and durable solutions to seemingly intractable issues. To learn more about our division and what we do, please visit our website at https://mn.gov/admin/ocdr/.

We are seeking a Dispute Resolution Program Administrator to carry out the mission and vision of OCDR by supporting and leading collaboration and dispute resolution projects and supporting the administrative functions of the Office. The mission of OCDR is to serve as a statewide catalyst to advance:

• Sustainable resolution of matters of public interest.
• Effective collaboration and dispute resolution in state and local government.
• Organizational conflict management and leadership development.
• Broad use of community mediation throughout Minnesota.
• Meaningful public engagement.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting strategic collaboration with community dispute resolution centers by working with partners, grantees, and other organizations to expand coverage of community mediation across the State.
• Administering the grant program by ensuring all OCDR grant making processes comply with State policy and procedures.
• Coordinating OCDR activities and carrying out administrative functions to ensure compliance with divisional objectives, agency policies, and long-term strategic goals.
• Assisting public entities in collaborating and resolving disputes by serving as the lead neutral or on a team of neutrals on dispute resolution cases.
• Conducting outreach and investigating on dispute resolution needs and resources in Minnesota.
• Providing training on problem-solving, conflict resolution, collaboration, public engagement, organizational conflict management, and other topics to state, Tribal, and local governments.
• Staying up to date on best practices in the field of public policy dispute resolution.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, 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.

In addition, traveling of up to 15% will be required to meet with stakeholders, partners, and customers at their preferred location.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience working as a mediator, facilitator, counselor, coach, or another form of facilitative leadership.
• A Master's degree in dispute resolution, conflict resolution/management, solution design, organizational leadership, psychology, social work, public administration, or other closely related field may substitute for 18 months of experience.
• A Bachelor's degree as specified above may substitute for one (1) year of experience as described.
• An Associate's degree as specified above may substitute for six (6) months of experience as described.
• Possess the theoretical and practical understanding of dispute resolution and collaborative processes to assist stakeholders/customers in improving relationships and building trust.
• Superior interpersonal and human relations skills to work with individuals, staff, groups, and leadership to cultivate effective relationships and develop confidence in collaboration and dispute resolution services.
• Effective communication and presentation skills to develop effective and engaged trainings/educational sessions and present in front of small and large groups, often in public settings.
• Proficiency necessary with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook; and video conferencing platforms, such as Teams and WebEx.
• Cultural competency to be responsive to cultural, gender, racial, and other various backgrounds.
• Ability to work irregular hours, along with traveling to other locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training and experience in mediation and facilitation of complex, multi-party public policy issues.
• Knowledge of public policy making, the interaction between branches and levels of government, and public funding processes.
• Knowledge of the roles and relationships of local, state, federal, and Tribal government.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills to identify and pursue innovative opportunities, along with development of resources and communication materials.
• Ability to adapt to continuous program changes sufficient to work constructively under pressure and cope with ambiguity and setbacks.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning data practices, confidentiality, and open meeting.
• Possess strong self-awareness and high emotional intelligence.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and 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.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have other reliable transportation.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at [e-mail] or 651-201-2434.

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

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.