Finance Data Analyst / Research Analysis Spec Sr

State of Minnesota - Children Youth & Families Dept; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota - Children Youth & Families Dept seeks a temporary senior research analyst to support statewide program planning, federal reporting, legislative responses, and long-range forecasting. This full-time, hybrid role is based in Saint Paul and runs through 2028 with the DCYF Central Office MAPE team.

Responsibilities include producing advanced statistical outputs, developing forecasting tools, maintaining data structures, and providing guidance across divisions to ensure data

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with spatial or statistical analysis or modeling.
• Proficiency in extracting, manipulating, and analyzing data via programming.
• Experience creating data visualizations to present findings.
• Experience with fraud, audit, oversight, or compliance analytics.
• SQL proficiency.
• Experience handling data collection, analysis, manipulation, transformation, and interpretation.
• Data visualization experience with Tableau and/or PowerBI.
• Experience with analytic tools including R Studio and/or SAS.

Responsibilities

• Produce advanced statistical and analytical products for external data requests and federal requirements
• Develop original statistical models and forecasting tools to evaluate program activity, assess policy impacts, and maintain consistency across ad hoc, public, and federally reported data
• Create and maintain innovative analytical tools, modeling systems, and data structures for statewide reporting and long-term consistency
• Build and maintain a library of common data requests and analytical outputs
• Provide expert guidance and quality assurance for analytical work across divisions to support consistency and data integrity
• Serve as a technical expert for DCYF in high-level meetings, federal consultations, and legislative discussions

Skills

Data analysis

Spatial analysis

Programming

Data visualization

Fraud analytics

SQL

Data manipulation

Data interpretation

Written/verbal communication

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

R Studio

SAS

Job description

Temporary senior research analysis role supporting statewide program planning, federal reporting, legislative responses, and long-range forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Produce advanced statistical and analytical products for external data requests and federal requirements
• Develop original statistical models and forecasting tools to evaluate program activity, assess policy impacts, and maintain consistency across ad hoc, public, and federally reported data
• Create and maintain innovative analytical tools, modeling systems, and data structures for statewide reporting and long-term consistency
• Build and maintain a library of common data requests and analytical outputs
• Provide expert guidance and quality assurance for analytical work across divisions to support consistency and data integrity
• Serve as a technical expert for DCYF in high-level meetings, federal consultations, and legislative discussions

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience performing data analysis and reporting
• Experience conducting spatial or statistical analysis or modeling
• Programming experience to extract, manipulate, and analyze data
• Experience developing data visualizations to present analytical findings
• Fraud, audit, oversight, or compliance analytics experience
• SQL experience
• Experience with data collection, data analysis, data manipulation, data transformation, and interpretation
• Data visualization experience with Tableau and/or PowerBI
• Experience with analytic tools/platforms including R Studio and/or SAS

Technologies

• SQL
• Tableau
• PowerBI
• R Studio
• SAS

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and communicate results in writing and verbally in a succinct, easily understandable manner
• Comprehensive knowledge of MAXIS and/or MEC2 (or similar eligibility system for public assistance), including data structure, data relationships, and processes
• Experience working with data for Minnesota food assistance, family cash assistance, and child care assistance programs, including rules and procedures
• Understanding of data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and HIPAA
• Experience collaborating effectively with others across different backgrounds and cultures

Benefits

• Full state fringe benefits; position expected to last up to two (2) years
• 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 providing income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify; see studentaid.gov)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

Job Details

• Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Reports & Forecasts
• Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior
• Job ID: 97687
• Working Title: Finance Data Analyst / Research Analysis Spec Sr
• Location: Saint Paul, MN (hybrid)
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/13/2026
• Closing Date: 10/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 09/22/2028
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Additional Requirements

• Successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, which may include reference check, criminal background check, fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS), driver’s license check, and personnel file review for all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

Contact

• Questions about the position: Erika Martin at [e-mail]
• Connect 700 Program applicants: apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and a valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Anny Xiong at [e-mail]
• ADA accommodation for an interview: 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [e-mail]