Working Title: Director of County RelationsJob Class: Human Services Manager 4Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID : 79325
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/10/2024
Closing Date : 08/30/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
Division/Unit : DCY - Payroll / DCYF Deputy Commissioner
Work Shift: Day Shift
Work Hours : 8:00am-5:00pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $50.25 - $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 - $150,231 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.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.In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. Formerly a part of the Department of Human Services, the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.The Director of County Relations, reporting to the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), is a highly visible position that will support, develop, and facilitate relationships between DCYF and Minnesota’s 87 counties. The incumbent will be an advocate for counties and will advise leadership and staff on strengthening DCYF’ relationship with counties. The Director of County Relations will represent and act on behalf of the Commissioner in matters related to counties. The overarching objective is to maximize the value of public investments in the administration of human services in the form of positive outcomes for people and communities served through an effective partnership with counties.Essential Job Duties
Represent and act on behalf of the Commissioner in matters related to county relations. Develop and implement ongoing engagement structure(s) for DCYF and counties to work collaboratively, including statutorily mandated intergovernmental advisory body. Participate in task forces, committees, and/or advisory groups identified in consultation with DCYF leadership. Represent DCYF at meetings with county human services administrators, county elected officials, other local governments, agencies, special interest groups, and other agencies and organizations both the public and private sectors so that DCYF staff and leadership are kept well-informed about current issues and concerns. Facilitate partnerships with counties and local officials. Increase awareness of and participation in the development of policies, processes, and other initiatives that affect counties.
Act as a liaison between DCYF and Minnesota’s 87 counties, serving as a conduit of information among parties and making introductions and referrals for direct communication between parties to ensure consistent messaging on significant matters; effective engagement methods; support for resolving program policy and operational issues and individual client issues; coordination with DCYF Tribal Relations on matters of shared interest; and coordination with other state human services agencies and related agencies on county matters.
Serve as a member of the DCYF’s senior leadership team, assisting in developing DCYF strategic directions and advising on issues of importance to counties and the impact of policy, budget, and operations proposals to help ensure a county perspective informs DCYF decision-making.
Supervise county liaison staff.
Minimum QualificationsTo facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.5 years of leadership/management experience that demonstrates the following:
Advanced policy analysis experience and/or advanced legislative experience
Excellent written and oral communications skills to effectively lead and explain complex and multi-faceted policy, information, strategies, and proposals.
Ability to work effectively with department colleagues as well as external partners.
Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex issues.
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experienceCandidates will be further assessed on the following:
Broad understanding of the agency's agenda and services.
Knowledge of government organizations, structures, functions, and relationships.
Fundamentals of management, leadership, and human relations sufficient to maintain ongoing positive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills to mediate, persuade, negotiate, and manage relationships with counties and effectively resolve problems or issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work, Juris Doctor (J.D.) or closely related field as determined by the agency.
Previous experience working in county relations.
Supervisory or lead worker experience with demonstrated skills in setting priorities, providing work direction, manage projects, coaching, and developing staff.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional RequirementsThis position requires successful completion of the following:
Reference checks.
Job-related criminal background checks.
Driver’s License check.
Valid Driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout the state.
Reference and Background ChecksThe Department of Children, Youth, and Family will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
Full-time