Special Projects Administrative Specialist - State Prog Admin Intermediate

State of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Special Projects Administrative Specialist to provide critical administrative support in the Nutrition Program Services Division. This role involves managing projects, ensuring compliance, and improving administrative processes. The position offers opportunities for telework and is committed to equity and inclusion, providing a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience or a degree with one year of experience.
• Experience in administrative support and technical assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative and technical support to Nutrition Program Services.
• Review application data for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage and update the division's website content.

Skills

Administrative Support

Technical Assistance

Communications

Plain Language Principles

Accessibility Standards

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Oracle

GovDelivery

Webex

Microsoft Teams

Alchemer

Canva

Canvas LMS

Job description

Ensuring every child receives a quality education, no matter their race or zip code. The Minnesota Department of Education serves a wide and diverse range of groups: K-12 students and their families; young children participating in a variety of early learning programs including Head Start and Early Childhood Family Education; adult learners participating in adult education programs including GED and citizenship programs; school districts; charter schools; teachers; libraries and librarians.

MDE values:
Collaboration : Partner and serve for the greater good.
Leadership : Take ownership and responsibility.
Equity : Innovate for justice, fairness and inclusion .

Working Title: Special Projects Administrative Specialist - State Prog Admin Intermediate
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate
Agency: Education Department

• Job ID: 86200
• Location: Minneapolis
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/16/2025
• Closing Date: 05/27/2025
• Bid Open: 05/16/2025
• Bid Close: 05/23/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Special Projects & Initiatives
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

CURRENT permanent-classified MDE employees represented by MAPE who are eligible for interest bidding for the position should consult Article 16, Vacancies, Filling of Positions, Section 3, Job Posting and Interest Bidding, of their negotiated agreement. In order to be considered for the position as an interest bidder your application must be received by the "Closed for Bid" date listed above.

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.

Job Summary

As the Special Projects Administrative Specialist, you will provide high-level administrative and technical support to the Nutrition Program Services (NPS) Division and corresponding programs including Summer Electronic Benefit Program (S-EBT). Duties will include:

• Perform a variety of administrative activities aligned with established policies, procedures, and rules.
• Review and evaluate application data across division projects for accuracy and compliance.
• Document and maintain division-wide administrative procedures in compliance with agency style guides, accessibility standards, and data practices rules.
• Identify and recommend solutions to improve technical and administrative process inefficiencies.
• Manage and update the division's website content and communications to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and plain language standards.
• Carry out additional administrative and technical support tasks as assigned.

This position is eligible for telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota or a bordering state. Effective June 1, employees living within 50 miles of the office location listed above will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of professional experience

OR

A bachelor's or master's degree and one (1) year of professional experience

Experience must include:

• Demonstrated experience in administrative support, technical assistance, or communications roles.
• Proficiency in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat) and content management systems.
• Demonstrated experience working with plain language principles and accessibility standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge and use of various technology digital tools and platforms (Oracle, GovDelivery, Adobe, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Alchemer, Canva, Canvas LMS)
• Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certificate or equivalent
• Experience working in a public agency or education-related environment

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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 Kate Elling at [e-mail] .

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility

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

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.