Inspector General

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 178,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible up to 50%

Five-year term with renewal

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Office of Inspector General seeks an Inspector General to lead the new independent oversight entity, reporting to the Governor and guiding standards for fraud prevention, investigations, and program integrity.

The IG builds the vision, directs investigations across agencies, and ensures timely reporting, with a five-year term and eligibility for unlimited terms. Telework up to 50% hybrid; location St. Paul.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law or a related field.
• Professional certification from the Association of Inspectors General as a Certified Inspector General or Certified Inspector General Investigator.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional experience in auditing, investigations, law enforcement, program integrity or a related discipline.
• Commitment to public service integrity and providing public disclosure of prior professional opinions or actions that may influence the approach to the role.

Responsibilities

• Executive level leadership experience directing complex, high risk programs or investigations and setting strategy, standards, and priorities across multiple administrative and operational functions such as organizational management, strategic planning, budgeting, policy development, and financial administration.
• Strategic communication skills, including risk communication, public reporting, and the ability to clearly convey complex or sensitive information to diverse audiences.
• Relationship building and collaboration skills with internal and external partners, including law enforcement, prosecutors, federal entities, the legislature, political entities, and executive branch agency leadership.
• Skill in evaluating agency performance and implementing system-level improvements that support statewide consistency in fraud prevention and investigative practices.
• Ability to create and communicate a strategic vision for the organization and a roadmap to achieve the vision.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making while operating autonomously from State agencies and maintaining strict impartiality.
• Ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture centered on ethics, accountability, cultural competencies, and high-quality investigative work.
• Ability to manage politically sensitive and high-pressure environments with impartiality, sound judgment, and discretion, while advocating for policies, balancing stakeholder priorities, and maintaining public trust.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Public sector governance

Fraud prevention

Stakeholder communication

Independent judgment

Multidisciplinary teams

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or Law

Certified Inspector General / Investigator

Job description

Working Title: Inspector General Job Class: Inspector General Agency: Office of Inspector General

• Job ID: 96777
• 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: 09/08/2026
• Closing Date: 10/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Inspector General / MN OIG - Managerial
• Division/Unit: Office of Inspector General / Office of Inspector General
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary: $94.93 / hourly; $198,214 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you'll do is more than just a job. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is Minnesota's newest champion for government integrity, accountability, and public trust. Created by Minnesota Session Law 2026, Chapter 92, this office brings together dedicated professionals who believe in the power of fair oversight and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Our mission is simple and bold: protect the public interest. The OIG leads independent investigations, audits, and reviews across state programs to ensure that services are delivered ethically, efficiently, and transparently.

The OIG is Minnesota's newly established independent oversight entity within the executive branch, created to strengthen accountability, transparency, and integrity across state agencies and programs. Operating separately from all executive departments and reporting directly to the Governor, the OIG sets statewide standards for fraud prevention, investigative practices, program integrity, and public reporting.

The Inspector General (IG) leads this new State office and is responsible for building its vision, structure, operations, and culture from the ground up. As Minnesota's central authority for program integrity oversight, the IG establishes, enforces, and monitors statewide standards for fraud prevention, inspections, and investigative practices; directs and coordinates program integrity investigations across executive agencies; and oversees unified, transparent reporting protocols. The IG also ensures adherence to statutory timelines, professional standards, and legislatively mandated reporting requirements, serving as the anchor of statewide integrity and oversight.

Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework. Employees living in a state bordering Minnesota, must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. Please review the Telework Policy for additional details.

The Inspector General serves a five-year term and may be appointed to unlimited additional terms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law or a related field.
• Professional certification from the Association of Inspectors General as a Certified Inspector General or Certified Inspector General Investigator.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional experience in auditing, investigations, law enforcement, program integrity or a related discipline.
• Commitment to public service integrity and providing public disclosure of prior professional opinions or actions that may influence the approach to the role.

Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following:

• Executive level leadership experience directing complex, high risk programs or investigations and setting strategy, standards, and priorities across multiple administrative and operational functions such as organizational management, strategic planning, budgeting, policy development, and financial administration.
• Strategic communication skills, including risk communication, public reporting, and the ability to clearly convey complex or sensitive information to diverse audiences.
• Relationship building and collaboration skills with internal and external partners, including law enforcement, prosecutors, federal entities, the legislature, political entities, and executive branch agency leadership.
• Skill in evaluating agency performance and implementing system-level improvements that support statewide consistency in fraud prevention and investigative practices.
• Ability to create and communicate a strategic vision for the organization and a roadmap to achieve the vision.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making while operating autonomously from State agencies and maintaining strict impartiality.
• Ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams and foster a culture centered on ethics, accountability, cultural competencies, and high-quality investigative work.
• Ability to manage politically sensitive and high-pressure environments with impartiality, sound judgment, and discretion, while advocating for policies, balancing stakeholder priorities, and maintaining public trust.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal program integrity requirements, including statutory timelines, administrative rules, and State compliance mandates.
• Knowledge of data classification, privacy laws, and confidentiality requirements, including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience developing and advocating for policy, budget, and legislative proposals, including testifying or publicly presenting and working with the legislature.
• Experience leading teams through organizational change or uncertainty and directing innovations that improve program integrity, practices, or service effectiveness.
• Experience applying project management frameworks to organize and direct work with complex project scope.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, including experience working effectively with diverse communities.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American Data Bank, credit check 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.

This position is also subject to Senate Confirmation.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jennifer Otley at [e-mail] or 651-201-2498.

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
• 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.