Workforce Development Technical Product Owner

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

St. Paul office base

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking a strategic leader to direct stakeholder and technical product management for multiple workforce technology systems. You will set roadmaps, coordinate with MN.IT, manage vendors, and oversee specifications, quality control, and training while aligning with agency leadership.

You will partner with program and technical teams to prioritize changes, drive customer satisfaction, and shape DEED’s long-term technology plan for

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in digital transformation or technical project ownership including managing projects with technology analysts or developers and/or experience in leading, implementing, or managing large information technology systems.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field, as determined by the agency, may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional team, including program and technical leadership, to design and implement innovative solutions to bring DEED closer to, and better serve, our customers.
• Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality.
• Work closely with program and senior leadership of DEED and MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to technical staff and external service providers.
• Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products.
• Provide prioritization of changes and identifies shared interests and opportunities for shared investment amongst stakeholders.
• Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, interaction with users, and contribute to the development of DEED’s long-term technology plan.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder leadership

Digital transformation

Vendor management

Communication & facilitation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field

Master's degree may substitute for eighteen months of experience

Job description

DEED serves hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans in need of career support. Whether they are customers at a CareerForce center, users of our Unemployment Insurance system, or a participant in a reskilling program, DEED, and its nonprofit and county partners, offers the programs and tools to help Minnesota work. We seek to improve our systems to make them more functional and easier for our customers to navigate – and this is especially true for our digital presence.

This position exists to direct stakeholder and technical product management activities for several DEED workforce development technology systems. Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality. Work closely with MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to analysts, developers, and external service providers. Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products. Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, and interaction with users. Contribute to the development of DEED’s long-term technology plan for workforce development program systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross-functional team, including program and technical leadership, to design and implement innovative solutions to bring DEED closer to, and better serve, our customers. This position will be charged with developing and delivering on a roadmap for DEED’s digital workforce services.
• Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality.
• Work closely with program and senior leadership of DEED and MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to technical staff and external service providers.
• Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products.
• Provide prioritization of changes and identifies shared interests and opportunities for shared investment amongst stakeholders.
• Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, interaction with users, and contribute to the development of DEED’s long-term technology plan.

We are looking for a passionate advocate for DEED stakeholders and customer base who loves relationship building, consensus creation, and fun.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position will be based out of the St. Paul office

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Four (4) years* of experience in the areas of digital transformation or technical project ownership including managing projects involving technology analysts or developers and/or experience in leading, implementing, or managing large information technology systems.

*Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field, as determined by the agency, may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

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

• Experience in project management, involving a complex group of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to conceptualize, design, plan, implement, and meet deadlines, and summarize lessons and next steps
• Ability to lead complex teams of stakeholders and technical experts from conception to completion within timeline and budget parameters
• Ability to manage vendors and navigate and test applications
• Knowledge of tools to provide service to customers digitally and apply knowledge to developing a roadmap for digital services
• Skills in communication and facilitation skills to provide technical information and influence a team to generate desired outcomes

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.