Innovation Project Coordinator (Temporary) / Planning Dir State

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking an Innovation Project Coordinator (Temporary) / Planning Director State within the DCYF Central Office for a multi-year initiative to build an agency-wide innovation roadmap.

You will lead cross-agency collaboration, guide concept-to-launch in analytics, UX, prototyping and grant writing, and support senior leaders while aligning with the DCYF strategic plan and whole-family approach.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of strong consulting/project management, analytical and problem-solving skills focused on large-scale, high-visibility projects.
• Experience with Agile/adaptive project management for complex multi-administration projects.
• Technical skills in two or more of data analytics, programming, AI/ML, UX design, prototyping or grant writing.
• Ability to facilitate group discussions, present to diverse audiences and broker agreements.
• Lead cross-agency and external partner engagement initiatives embedding user experience into programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross agency teams in ongoing planning and project management for enterprise-wide projects.
• Coordinate DCYF and external partner engagement integrating user experience into programs.
• Assist senior leaders with ad hoc project management to improve agency innovation.
• Create technical tools across analytics, programming, UX, prototyping, and grant writing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Agile PM

Data analytics

Programming

AI/ML

UX design

Prototyping

Grant writing

Public speaking

Facilitation

Negotiation

Job description

Innovation Project Coordinator (Temporary) / Planning Dir State

Working Title: Innovation Project Coordinator (Temporary) / Planning Dir State
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 96003
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited/Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 08/03/2026
• Closing Date: 08/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF/Management/Operations
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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.

Job Summary

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

This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; the position may last up to 3 years.

This position will help build the new innovation team tasked with strengthening collaboration, as well as testing and launching ideas that improve the agency’s programs, operations and how we deliver services to children, youth, and families. The Innovation Project Coordinator is responsible for guiding multiple parallel innovation initiatives from initial concept to launch. This position manages/directs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) agency-wide approach to embedding innovation throughout the agency, while uplifting the DCYF strategic plan, whole family approach, and organizational effectiveness. They will actualize the work through developing technical tools, user experience engagement, communication, and assistance to senior leaders with the goal of advancing agency-wide, cross-administration and cross-governmental/sector initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead cross agency teams in the ongoing planning and project management process for enterprise-wide, high-impact projects.
• Lead and coordinate DCYF and external partner engagement initiatives that embed user experience into program and operations efforts.
• Assist the DCYF programmatic, operations and executive team leaders with ad hoc project management efforts that improve agency innovation.
• Create technical tools to advance agency-wide activities, which may include a combination of data analytics; programming; user experience design; prototyping; grant writing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years ofstrong consulting/project management,analytical and problem-solving skills focused on large scale, highly visible projects with the ability to think strategically and align projects with business goals. Experience must demonstrate:

• Agile and adaptive project management methodologies that support leading complex projects across administrations.
• Technical skills that move forward projects, which must include a combination of at least two of the following data analytics, programming, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, user experience design, prototyping, and/or grant writing.
• Complex problem solving and strategic thinking skills utilizing multiple levers for change in advancing solutions, such as financing, technology, communications, policy development and implementation, procurement, and relationships.
• Facilitation of group discussions, public speaking, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong human relations skills set with ability to inform, facilitate, negotiate with and broker agreements between individuals and groups .

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced level analytical ability with extensive background in roles related in government.
• Knowledge of state government programs and their interrelationships and an understanding of policy and procedures in children, youth, and family-serving programs, and of government functions and relations.
• Experience with at least four of the following: data analytics, programming, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning, user experience design, prototyping, and grant writing.
• Experience working with and ability to work with executive leadership.
• 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
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA 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

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
• 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.