Manager of Project Management - State Program Administrator Manager Senior

State of Minnesota; Vadnais Heights (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Manager of Project Management in Vadnais Heights to lead strategic planning, performance improvement, and data architecture across Community Based Services. This exempt, full-time role directs a team and partners with divisions to advance statewide programs.

Responsibilities include coordinating policy development, implementing Baldrige methods, managing budgets and legislative proposals, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA while delivering continuous quality

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience including supervisory or team-lead roles.
• Completion of a State leadership program (e.g., Emerging Leaders Institute or similar).
• Experience leading a program or chairing a committee with substantial time commitment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage strategic planning and implementation of CBS project management and data system architecture.
• Directly manage a team of ~5 staff and supervise per applicable labor agreements.
• Manage development and implementation of a comprehensive data architecture for Community Based Services.
• Serve as CBS subject‑matter expert for change management, business processes, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

Supervisor/lead

Project lead

Program/chairmanship

Education

Leadership development program

Tools

SharePoint

Agile apps

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Division/Unit: MSOCS Residential Central/Metr / Perf Imprvmnt & Proj Mngt Off

Working Title: Manager of Project Management

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96772
• Location: Vadnais Heights
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/02/2026
• Closing Date: 09/22/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Manager
• Division/Unit: MSOCS Residential Central/Metr / Perf Imprvmnt & Proj Mngt Off
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift (8:00 A.M - 4:30 P.M)
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Approximately 5% (in-person meetings, trainings, conference, etc.)
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

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.

All Direct Care & Treatment Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the six competency themes from the Enterprise-Wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Leading with DEAI
• Getting Work Done

Lead Strategic Transformation, Data Innovation & Continuous Improvement Across Community-Based Services

This position directs strategic planning, performance improvement, evaluation and research efforts. This position supports Community Based Services (CBS) strategic planning, Baldrige implementation, change management, and continuous improvement. This position develops and coordinates policy and programs to improve performance outcomes; oversees staff members; develops and recommends budgetary and legislative proposals including new and revised statute, rules, policies, procedures, and budget requests; and directs the implementation of operational plans across divisions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the strategic planning and implementation of new initiatives/best practices in CBS project management, administrative functions and data system architecture. Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws/regulation, including data privacy and HIPAA requirements.
• Directly manage a team of approximately 5 staff and exercise supervisory authority so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered, and employees will effectively perform assigned job duties to support and achieve annual DCT/CBS strategic plans, priorities, objectives and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Manage the development and implementation of comprehensive and integrated data architecture system for Community Based Services.
• Serve as a CBS subject matter expert for change management, business processes, data systems architecture, implementation and continuous improvement, for administrative functions within CBS programs and service lines.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates each job's beginning and ending month and year.

• Demonstrated leadership experience. Leadership experience can include (this is not an all-inclusive list):
• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. Emerging Leaders Institute, L4, also known as Leadership Development Program or Aspiring Leaders Program);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. Employee Resource Group) – experience must include one (1) or more years of experience identifying issues, goals, strategic actions and 100+ hours per year time commitment.

AND

• Three (3) years of specialized work experience in project and/or program management demonstrating experience in:
• Demonstrated skills in Human relations sufficient to build networks across organizations, private providers, contracted vendors, and the public sector, to facilitate workgroups, effectively persuade and motivate, problem solve, communicate complex and often times competing priorities, to collaborate, to develop consensus, and to continuously improve programs, processes and services. Human relation skills are sufficient to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate with and lead others.
• Knowledge of change management, project management, administrative functions, data architect systems/programs (share point, agile apps, etc.), data privacy/HIPAA laws and regulation, person-centered services, the trends and innovations in the area of continuous quality improvement, database analysis, and relevant state and federal agencies, and accrediting organizations.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis using data and statistical analysis tools, and multiple strategic planning/change management models sufficient to evaluate goals, measures, and program results.
• Program planning and administration principles sufficient to provide managerial leadership for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation processes specific to the Project Management Team.
• Budgeting, contracting and grants management, and legislative processes sufficient to ensure compliance and efficient use of resources that achieve and/or support program initiatives.
• Ability to have sensitivity and respect for cultural and other differences and apply equity and inclusive workplace concepts in relation to daily work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of CBS programs and/or Minnesota’s system of long term and support services, sufficient to set the direction of projects/initiatives and provide guidance to the Project Management Team.
• Additional experience/education/certification in project management, IT, quality, compliance, analytics, evaluation, and/or public policy;
• Demonstrated skills in developing and implementing secure, HIPAA compliant, technology-focused, process improvements, transformations, databases, and/or systems.
• Budgeting, contracting and grants management, and legislative processes sufficient to ensure compliance and efficient use of resources that achieve and/or support CBS program initiatives.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

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.