Legal Operations Director - State Prog Admin Manager Senior

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Legal Operations Director to provide strategic leadership for the Department of Children, Youth & Families. The role involves enhancing legal operations by developing systems, ensuring compliance, and facilitating relationships with stakeholders to effectively address the legal needs of the agency.

Benefits

Affordable health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan after three years

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in legal operations or compliance.
• Leadership experience in public administration or law.
• Ability to assess complex legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage legal systems to ensure agency compliance.
• Build relationships with staff and legal stakeholders.
• Evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.

Skills

Legal operations

Compliance

Human services regulations

Administrative hearing processes

Relationship-building

Judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or related master's degree

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title: Legal Operations Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator Manager, Senior

Agency: Department of Children Youth & Families

• Job ID: 86230
• 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: 05/16/2025
• Closing Date: 06/05/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office
• Division/Unit: DCYF / General Counsel Division
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. The new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states only; telework is not allowed in other states) and flexible hours options are available. Employees that live 50 miles or more from their permanent/principal work location and live within the State or a county bordering the State may telework more than 50% with approval.***
  
  

The Legal Operations Director will provide strategic leadership, direction, and implementation for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) – General Counsel’s Office (GCO) by building engagement strategies and processes at an agencywide level and develop partnership initiatives to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of legal services to DCYF and the public as it engages with DCYF. This position will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing strategies, processes, and systems to ensure that the agency effectively engages and partners with diverse stakeholders (internally and externally), minimizes agency risk, and aligns work of the Office with DCYF’s mission and engagement goals.

The Director will play a key role in equipping DCYF staff with systems, tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to meet the agency’s legal needs and obligations and support the agency in achieving service goals for the people of Minnesota. The position requires independent decision-making, program oversight, and a high level of responsibility for managing sensitive, high-impact initiates across divisions and external organizations.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage strategic legal systems, initiatives, and projects to improve agency practices and systems that ensure compliance with agency legal obligations and tracking. Connect and systematize efforts to support effective use of these initiatives.
• Actively develop effective relationships with staff, leadership, partners, and legal stakeholders.
• Evaluate GCO performance through development of metrics and assessment methods to identify functional efficiency, key areas for improvement efforts, and proactively identify areas of potential deficiencies.
• Direct and oversee GCO non-attorney functions and staff.
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, regulations, and policies governing DCYF GCO work. Oversee DCYF’s interactions with the appellate courts, district courts, the Office of Administrative Hearings, and the DHS Appeals Division and related systems access.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of specialized professional work experience in legal operations, compliance, or public sector law, with a strong understanding of human services regulations and administrative hearing processes.
• Expertise in navigating legal databases, managing compliance documentation, and utilizing tools such as SharePoint, SSIS, Microsoft Office, and AgileApps or similar program to support legal functions.
• Experience in collaborating with government officials, courts, executive leadership, and community organizations to facilitate legal processes.
• Proven ability to assess complex legal issues, develop solutions, and exercise sound judgment to align legal strategies with agency objectives.
  
  

AND

• Demonstrated leadership experience:
• Leadership experience can include:
• Experience as a supervisor, leadworker, team lead, project lead:
• 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
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor (JD) or master’s degree in law, public administration, or a related field.
• Prior experience working with state agencies, legislative processes, or public sector legal compliance.
• Expertise in human services law, administrative hearings, civil rights enforcement, or regulatory compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in legal software, case management tools, and data privacy systems such as AgileApps, FileNet, Everlaw and SharePoint.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
  
  

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndi Jahnke at [e-mail]

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Susan Vang at [e-mail].

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Together, we’re working 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.