MDA Business Technology Manager - State Program Administrator Manager

Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

About the role

This position is responsible for leading a holistic, sustainable, agency-focused approach to technology planning, purchasing, and implementation and serves as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) primary liaison with MNIT@MDA for managing and implementing agency-wide technology systems. The role guides strategic technology planning, communicates agency-wide vision and planning, supports business units on technology decisions, and participates in MDA/MNIT governance, purchasing, and planning activities to ensure systems and plans align with business needs and strategic priorities.

This position manages both state and contracted IT-related resources, coordinates projects and software releases, and works with division leadership to explore, implement, and review technology solutions that maximize efficiency and facilitate business activities. The role also involves writing and maintaining standard operating procedures and data governance standards for IT topics and systems, and communicating them agency-wide.

The individual must maintain a deep knowledge of MDA’s overall technology portfolio, manage and oversee a complex budget, create and implement governance structures around IT use at MDA, monitor MNIT performance, escalate issues when needed, and support and own software solutions used by MDA.

Responsibilities

• Lead agency-wide technology planning, purchasing, and implementation.
• Serve as the primary liaison between MDA and MNIT@MDA for technology systems.
• Guide strategic technology planning and communicate agency-wide vision.
• Support business units on technology decisions and align systems with business needs.
• Participate in MDA/MNIT governance, purchasing, and planning activities.
• Manage state and contracted IT resources, coordinate projects, and oversee software releases.
• Explore, implement, and review technology solutions to maximize efficiency.
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures and data governance standards.
• Communicate IT policies and standards agency-wide.
• Maintain deep knowledge of MDA’s technology portfolio.
• Manage and oversee a complex IT budget.
• Create and implement governance structures for IT use at MDA.
• Monitor MNIT performance and escalate issues as needed.
• Support and own software solutions used by MDA.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of direct experience working with project management and administration of programs that use technical solutions.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience successfully leading the implementation of new technology applications or business processes.
• Experience working with advanced data analysis technical tools, such as Microsoft Excel, sufficient to administer and analyze complex data sets.
• Experience developing positive working relationships with people from multiple backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to prioritize projects and initiatives by aligning people and resources to meet organizational needs and strategies.
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience working as a supervisor or team lead.
• Experience working as a Business Technology Manager or Consultant.
• Experience in the administration and development of Microsoft SharePoint.
• Experience working as a trainer or change management leader during the implementation of new business processes or technology solutions.
• Knowledge of, or experience working in, the Minnesota agriculture industry.
• Knowledge of the State of Minnesota’s government processes, practices, and procedures as they relate to IT systems and their implementation and use.

Additional Requirements

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check, which may include:
  • SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
  • Employment Reference Check
  • Driver’s License Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review

Pay

$41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually

Schedule

• Day Shift
• Monday - Friday
• No travel required

Benefits

• 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, including training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including:
  • Mental health support
  • Relationship challenges (personal and work)
  • Grief and loss support
  • Financial and legal assistance
  • Daily living/convenience services (chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care)

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.