School Finance Director - Education Director 2

Location: Minneapolis

Telework: This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Employees living within 50 miles of the office will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month. Employees may reside outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a bordering state and are within 50 miles of the primary work location. Existing employees who were approved to telework from a bordering state and more than 50 miles from their work location before June 1, 2025, may retain this arrangement unless they move farther away.

About the role

As the Director of School Finance for the Minnesota Department of Education, you will hold a crucial role in leading the development, research, implementation, and evaluation of the State of Minnesota's Education Finance System. You will report directly to the agency's executive team and will serve clientele across the state, including Legislators, Boards of Education, Superintendents, Business Officials, Transportation Directors, Facilities Managers, and Education Organization Directors and Staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the research, analysis, evaluation, and policy development for K-12 education finance, school facilities, pupil transportation, financial management, auditing, and school district organization to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and equity.
• Direct the activities of division staff on data collection, aid and levy calculations, education aid payments, and budget forecasting to enable policies and programs to be managed efficiently and effectively.
• Create annual work plans and standard operating procedures to enable the provision of services to local agencies.

Requirements

Seven (7) years of experience in the development or application of school finance strategies or policies. Experience must include:

• Previous supervisory, lead worker, or leadership experience, which may include leadership development programs such as ELI and SLI.
• Coaching, mentoring, and/or developing staff while building relationships.
• Leading teams to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, or goal accomplishment.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage, guide, and communicate with staff and partners at all levels.
• Program management experience specific to policy development for PreK-12 education finance.
• Budget creation and monitoring.

A doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; a Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; an Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Minnesota's education finance system.
• School budget preparation.
• Engaging with legislative and stakeholder communities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporating multi-disciplined interests into decisions and actions.
• Experience in negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus building with diverse groups to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
• Experience in public sector financial management.

Additional Requirements

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

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only).
• Employment Reference Check.
• Conflict of Interest Review.
• Driver's License Check.
• Criminal Background Check.

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

Pay

$55.68 - $79.79 / hourly; $116,259 - $166,601 / annually

Benefits

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).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, 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.