Program Operations Manager- Employment & Economic Assistance

Dakota County; West Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 103,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota County in Minnesota seeks a Public Assistance Program Operations Manager for the EEA Department to lead a large, complex section overseeing Medical Assistance/Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, and related programs. You will drive equity, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness.

You will co-lead a team, shape policy, and partner with IT and state agencies to modernize operations, ensuring accessible services and outcomes for county residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4 years full-time paid experience in a human services agency, 2 years in supervisory or operations lead capacity
• Master's degree preferred for advanced leadership
• Valid Driver's License required
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply (8 years total)

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop staff, supervise supervisors, and foster accountability and continuous learning
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance management, and employee concerns
• Oversee program operations and service delivery to meet department goals
• Monitor workload and staffing capacity with co-manager
• Drive continuous quality improvements using performance data and customer needs
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and county requirements and audits
• Develop and maintain policies in line with regulations
• Monitor legislative and policy changes and advise on impact
• Collaborate with Deputy Director on strategic and financial planning
• Coordinate public assistance program delivery and new initiatives
• Lead operational strategy development with IT and external partners
• Build partnerships with county departments and external agencies
• Advance equitable and culturally responsive services and workplace practices
• Develop communications resources including public-facing information
• Present operational, financial, and performance data to leadership and Board

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Communication

Public assistance knowledge

Education

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

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

Tools

Windows-based applications

Job description

Posting Information

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.

Public Assistance Program Operations Manager (E&EA Department)

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.

Key Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. Manage staffing and workforce operations, including hiring recommendations, work assignments, scheduling, performance management, staff development, and resolution of employee concerns and grievances.
3. Oversee program operations and service delivery to ensure department goals are achieved, services meet customer needs, and operations remain effective, efficient, and service-oriented.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with federal, state, and county regulations and operational requirements.
8. Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to assess program and fiscal impacts, recommend necessary changes, and guide implementation.
9. Partner with the Deputy Director on strategic and financial planning to align program operations, business strategies, and resource allocation with county and state priorities.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Advance equitable, accessible, culturally responsive, and respectful services and workplace practices that support inclusion, strengthen community relationships, and improve the customer and employee experience.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Represent the Deputy Director and support department leadership in assigned initiatives, management decisions, cross-departmental efforts, and other responsibilities as needed.

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

Additional Qualifications

• 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.

Safety Sensitive Position

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.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

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.

Selection Process

The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.