Policy Director - State Program Administrator Manager Senior

Minnesota Management and Budget; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency in Minnesota is seeking a Policy Director to provide strategic vision and leadership in addressing substance misuse and addiction. This role involves policy development, stakeholder engagement, and producing key communications. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in policy research and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Five years of experience leading policy research and development.
• Experience with government funding streams related to substance use.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development on substance misuse and disorders.
• Produce high-impact policy materials and communications.

Skills

Policy Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy

Master’s degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Policy Director - State Program Administrator Manager Senior role at Minnesota Management and Budget

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Join to apply for the Policy Director - State Program Administrator Manager Senior role at Minnesota Management and Budget

Working Title: Policy Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

• Job ID: 86248
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/14/2025
• Closing Date: 06/03/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
• Division/Unit: Office of Addiction and Recovery
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• 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
  
  

Working Title: Policy Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Minnesota Management & Budget

• Job ID: 86248
• 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: 05/14/2025
• Closing Date: 06/03/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
• Division/Unit: Office of Addiction and Recovery
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• 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 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.

The Office of Addiction and Recovery is seeking a Policy Director to provide senior leadership and strategic vision to enterprise-wide interagency functions, resulting in coordination and integration of highly scrutinized state policy and budget priorities for individuals and families impacted by substance misuse and substance use disorder in Minnesota. This position serves as a principal policy advisor to the Governor’s State Director of Addiction and Recovery, as well as members of the Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction Subcabinet and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction on the development and implementation of policies and strategies to address opioids, substance use, and addiction in Minnesota.

Job duties for this position include:

• Leading policy development and analysis on substance misuse and substance use disorders through comprehensive stakeholder consultation to recommend policy changes and administrative actions for the State of Minnesota
• Strategically engaging and coordinating with cross-agency legislative staff, as well as internal and external stakeholders, to advance innovations in state programs that measurably improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction
• Synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations that balance clinical best practices, emerging practices, community needs, fiscal considerations, and implementation feasibility
• Producing high-impact external and internal-facing policy materials including comprehensive briefs, policy memos, white papers, presentations, fact sheets, and strategic communications that articulate Minnesota's vision and approach to addressing substance misuse and substance use disorders
• Serve as the primary communications lead for addiction and recovery initiatives, coordinating messaging and information flow across the Office of Addiction and Recovery, the Governor's Subcabinet on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction, the Governor’s Office, and the broader stakeholder ecosystem
  
  

This position will be required to work onsite for at least 50% of their scheduled workdays each month.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years* of experience leading policy research, development, writing, and analysis to recommend policy changes and administrative action. *A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, public health, social work or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
  
  

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on experience with the following:

• Government (state, federal, county, municipal, or Tribal) funding streams across the continuum of care for substance misuse and substance use disorder including Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement, federal block grants, opioid settlement fund, or state general funds
• Building and maintaining cross-agency business, stakeholder, and policy relationships associated with interaction between federal and state statute, policies, and budgets
• Communication skills sufficient to convey complex policy issues to a variety or audiences, utilize plain language, and draft policies and technical documents
• Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams with competing timelines in ambiguous and ever-changing environments
• Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

MMB values diverse perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Your unique skills and background might be just what we need!

• Experience managing and developing staff or consultants
• Experience working with legislators, legislative staff, or agency legislative staff
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative processes, requirements, and functions
• Familiarity with national and clinical best practices in addiction policy
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation for policy development
  
  

Additional Requirements

Minnesota Management and Budget will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices.

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 Jake Pleschourt at [e-mail] or 651-201-2567.

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 Jake Pleschourt at [e-mail].

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

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