SLEDS Director

Minnesota Office of Higher Education; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education seeks a SLEDS Director to lead the collection, management, and use of SLEDS and ECLDS data to guide state policy and workforce development in education and care. The role requires strong data literacy, privacy compliance, and the ability to coordinate a cross-state network of partners.

Responsibilities include presenting data-driven insights to stakeholders, overseeing interagency teams, and maintaining high professional standards while advancing equity

Qualifications

• Five years of experience with database structures and large data sets including SQL querying, data sourcing, cleaning, validation, analysis and interpretation.
• Understanding of longitudinal data and research in early care, education, and work.
• Knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Experience with data visualization using R, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or related software.
• Ability to deliver data-driven presentations to diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic leadership and cross-team facilitation, including management and team building.
• Experience budgeting and monitoring expenditures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper collection, management, and use of SLEDS and ECLDS data to inform policy and workforce strategies.
• Enforce appropriate use of public and private data per privacy regulations and respond to data requests from legislators and executives.
• Lead a cross-agency team and collaborate with multiple state agencies and partners.
• Demonstrate leadership competencies: Leading Self/Others/Organization, DEAI, and Getting Work Done.

Skills

SQL querying

Data sourcing

Data cleaning

Data validation

Data interpretation

Descriptive stats

Inferential stats

Data visualization

R

Power BI

Excel

Tableau

Presentations

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master's degree preferred

Data science related degree optional

Tools

R

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Higher Education/OHE
• Division/Unit: Research
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 10%
• Salary Range: $47.91 - $66.89 / hourly; $100,036 - $139,666 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Working Title: SLEDS Director

Job Class: OHE Director

Agency: Office of Higher Education

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 SLEDS Director is responsible for ensuring the appropriate collection, management, and use of SLEDS and ECLDS data to support the State of Minnesota and partner agencies identify the most viable pathways for individuals in achieving successful outcomes in early care, education, and work; inform decisions to support and improve early care, education, and workforce policy and practice, and assist in creating a more seamless early care, education, and workforce system for all Minnesotans, especially for historically excluded populations.

Additional responsibilities include enforcing appropriate use of both public and private data in accordance with federal and state data privacy regulations and responding to requests for data from the Minnesota Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and other stakeholders in a timely, accurate, and secure manner as allowed by federal and state law.

This position requires developing and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders and work with a high degree of independence as they collaborate with the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership, multiple state agencies, external organizations, and the P-20 education systems in the state and nationally. High level of professionalism is required, with the ability to manage a complex interagency team, and have an outcome-driven focus to lead a cohesive and committed team of professionals and stakeholders. The incumbent must possess a broad familiarity with research and statistics relevant to higher education and/or workforce policy.

Occasional travel is required for out-of-state meetings.

This role is expected to demonstrate the following State of Minnesota leadership competencies: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organization, Leading Outside the Organization, Leading with DEAI, and Getting Work Done.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered.

• Five (5) years of experience working with database structures and large data sets, including SQL querying, data sourcing, cleaning, validation, analysis and interpretation.
• Understanding of longitudinal data and research pertaining to early care, education, and work.
• Knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Experience with data visualization including use of R, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or related software.
• Ability to deliver data-driven presentations to a variety of stakeholders and diverse audiences.
• Strategic leadership and cross-team facilitation, including management, team building and creating positive organizational culture.
• Demonstrated experience managing and monitoring budgets.

Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Data Science, Math, Computer Science, or related field will count towards 12 months experience, or Master's Degree or higher in Social Science, Data Science, Math, Computer Science, or related field will count towards 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher with 5+ years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience in data management and conducting or directing research projects.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated experience managing large groups, competing demands and complex projects involving external stakeholders.
• Previous experience working with data related to postsecondary education.
• Demonstrated experience with data governance, including data privacy, data sharing agreements, and ethical research practices (IRB processes and compliance).
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including evidence of published research.
• Experience managing and supervising of contracts, professional staff, and/or contractors.
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to position self and move sufficiently to perform repetitive tasks
• Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time
• Ability to carry up to 20 pounds of weight on an infrequent basis

Additional Requirements

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security Verification

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kaochi Pha at [e-mail] or 651-359-3943.

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 Kaochi Pha at [e-mail].

About The Office Of Higher Education

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level; state agency providing students with financial aid programs and informattion to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance, and trends.

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

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.