Director of Data and Policy -State Program Administrator Manager

About the role

The Director of Data & Policy serves as a Board, legislative, state, and national community partner liaison, working closely with these groups to develop and implement policies aligned to board goals. The position manages PELSB’s public-facing data, policy reports, and policy research. This position also manages and facilitates additional special projects of the board, ensuring effective implementation. Additionally, this position supports the work of the Executive Director through strategic planning and agency-wide communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement policies aligned with board goals
• Manage and facilitate special projects of the board
• Ensure effective implementation of board initiatives
• Support the work of the Executive Director through strategic planning and communications
• Communicate with diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the public
• Manage and analyze public data, including data systems and reporting
• Coordinate cross-agency and cross-sector partnerships
• Manage and oversee administrative rulemaking processes
• Supervise professional employees in various roles
• Prepare and present public-facing data reports and research briefs
• Collaborate with national organizations and higher education partners
• Provide expert testimony and participate in public forums
• Oversee the development and implementation of education policy and teacher licensure
• Assist in the coordination of educational programs and initiatives

Requirements

• Three years of experience in government relations, public policy development, legislative work, data reporting, or related public-sector roles
• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, education, political science, public administration, data analytics, social sciences, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master’s degree or higher may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience
• Knowledge of legislative processes — including bill tracking, hearings, and interactions with policymakers
• Experience developing or implementing policy — such as drafting recommendations, analyzing proposals, or supporting rulemaking
• Experience managing projects or initiatives — coordinating timelines, deliverables, and outcomes across teams or stakeholders
• Experience analyzing and presenting data to a wide audience, including advanced excel data analysis and Power BI
• Experience working with public data — including analysis, reporting, or oversight of data systems

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences — including preparing reports, memos, or presentations
• Experience with administrative rulemaking — including drafting rules, facilitating feedback sessions, or coordinating with rulemaking attorneys
• Experience with education policy or teacher licensure — including K–12 workforce issues, teacher preparation, or educator standards
• Experience supervising professional employees — policy, data, compliance, or communications roles
• Experience producing public-facing data reports — including dashboards, legislative reports, or research briefs
• Advanced experience in data analytics – including coding in Power BI, Tableau, or SQL
• Experience presenting to policymakers or public groups — such as legislative committees, boards, or community forums
• Familiarity with national trends in teacher licensure and preparation — including NASDTEC or similar organizations

Skills

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, and SQL
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Experience with public policy development and legislative processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

Benefits

• One of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• 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
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
• 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

Pay

$40.86 - $59.07 / hourly; $85,315 - $123,338 / annually

Schedule

Day Shift

Contact

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 Teresa Mills at teresa.mills@state.mn.us.