Program Operations Manager- Employment & Economic Assistance

Dakota County; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 103,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County in Minnesota seeks a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager in the Employment & Economic Assistance department. The role leads a large section delivering Medical Assistance/Medicaid, SNAP, and cash assistance to promote resident stability and opportunity.

The position emphasizes equitable access, continuous improvement, and compliant service delivery within a changing regulatory landscape. It also focuses on developing staff and aligning operations with county priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field and 4 years of full-time paid experience in a human services agency, with 2 years in supervisory or operations lead capacity
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience to equal 8 years, with 2 years in supervisory or operations lead capacity
• A valid Driver's License required

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise public assistance staff; mentor future leaders and foster accountability and collaboration
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance management, and employee concerns
• Oversee program operations to meet goals and ensure customer-focused, efficient service
• Monitor workload distribution and adjust staffing for equitable distribution of work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field

Job description

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance

HOURS: Full-time

HIRING RANGE: $103,284-129,105 (111 Salary Grade)

FULL SALARY RANGE: $103,284-161,381 year

LOCATION: West St. Paul (NSC)

UNION: None

CLOSE DATE: Continuous with first review of applicants on 11/6/2026

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Dakota County is currently hiring a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager within the Employment & Economic Assistance (E&EA) Department. This position in direct partnership with Economic Supports Program Operations Manager and Deputy Director provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for Public Assistance at Dakota County. The Public Assistance Program Operations Manager leads a large and complex section that administers critical public assistance programs, primarily Medical Assistance/Medicaid, with some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, and other economic support services that promote stability, well-being, and opportunity for residents.

What You Will Do

Dakota County is currently hiring a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager within the Employment & Economic Assistance (E&EA) Department. This position in direct partnership with Economic Supports Program Operations Manager and Deputy Director provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for Public Assistance at Dakota County. The Public Assistance Program Operations Manager leads a large and complex section that administers critical public assistance programs, primarily Medical Assistance/Medicaid, with some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, and other economic support services that promote stability, well-being, and opportunity for residents.

The Public Assistance Program Operations Manager ensures the effective delivery of high-quality, equitable, accessible, and compliant services while advancing continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational readiness in an evolving policy and regulatory environment. Central to this role is a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by identifying and addressing barriers to access, promoting equitable outcomes, and ensuring services are responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of the communities served. This role is critical to positioning the County to successfully navigate significant state and federal reforms, systems modernization efforts, and changing legislative requirements affecting public assistance programs.

The Public Assistance Program Operations Manager directly co-leads and develops supervisory and future leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and belonging. Through strong leadership and deep program expertise, this position builds an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees are empowered to contribute fully. In doing so, the Public Assistance Program Operations Managers, along with the Deputy Director and Director of E&EA, ensure the department is well-positioned to meet current needs while preparing for future opportunities and challenges.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field. AND 4 years full-time paid experience in a human services agency, 2 years' experience must have been in a supervisory or operations lead capacity

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to equal 8 years, 2 years' experience must have been in a supervisory or operations lead capacity

AND

• A valid Driver's License

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. “Safety-sensitive position” means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and develop staff by directly supervising, coaching, and mentoring public assistance supervisors; developing future leaders; and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Manage staffing and workforce operations, including hiring recommendations, work assignments, scheduling, performance management, staff development, and resolution of employee concerns and grievances.
• Oversee program operations and service delivery to ensure department goals are achieved, services meet customer needs, and operations remain effective, efficient, and service-oriented.
• Monitor workload distribution and staffing capacity in partnership with the co-manager; analyze workload trends and recommend adjustments to promote equitable distribution of work and effective use of resources.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts by analyzing performance measures, production data, service outcomes, and customer needs to identify trends, address operational challenges, and implement improvements.
• Oversee program compliance, quality assurance, and audits to ensure adherence to federal, state, and county requirements and to support accurate, timely, and consistent program administration.
• Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with federal, state, and county regulations and operational requirements.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to assess program and fiscal impacts, recommend necessary changes, and guide implementation.
• Partner with the Deputy Director on strategic and financial planning to align program operations, business strategies, and resource allocation with county and state priorities.
• Coordinate the implementation and administration of public assistance programs and services, including evaluating service needs, recommending new or revised programs, and supporting the implementation of new initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies and systems that improve program effectiveness, staff efficiency, and customer service, including partnering with County IT, contractors, and state agencies to advance technology solutions.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with county departments, regional and state agencies, community organizations, and service providers to coordinate services, address community needs, and improve program outcomes.
• Advance equitable, accessible, culturally responsive, and respectful services and workplace practices that support inclusion, strengthen community relationships, and improve the customer and employee experience.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of program communications and resources, including public-facing information, web content, and internal guidance to promote accurate, accessible, and consistent communication.
• Prepare and present operational, financial, and performance information through statistical and narrative reports, recommendations, and Requests for Board Action (RBAs) to support decision-making, policy direction, and required authorizations.
• Represent the Deputy Director and support department leadership in assigned initiatives, management decisions, cross-departmental efforts, and other responsibilities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities And Work Environment

• Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff and co-workers and create a respectful workplace based on cultural-physical differences and equity
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use Windows-based applications and collaboration platforms, inclduing Webex, Microsfot Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook and OnBase.
• Thorough knowledge of the local, state and federal principles, methods, techniques, manuals, policies, practices and procedures of public assistance.
• Considerable knowledge of the human services field with a desire of some level of knowledge around corrections, public health, social services and veterans services.
• Thorough knowledge and use of supervisory principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge, experience, and strong analytical skills for strategic planning, data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, surface and resolve conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire teamwork, alignment and collective action among diverse collaborators.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, sound decisions and maintain policy according to changing dynamics within the framework of Federal, State, County, Division and Department guidelines.
• Ability to work well both independently and with team members.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to train, coach and supervise subordinates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily sedentary; it is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. There is some walking, travel, and carrying up to 20lb items such as laptop, cellphone notebooks, and work papers.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.