Director of Office of Systems Change & Public Engagement

Job Details Working Title:

Director of Office of Systems Change & Public Engagement Job Class:

State Program Administrator, Manager Principal Agency:

Children Youth & Families Dept Job ID :

94607

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 :

06/02/2026

Closing Date :

06/22/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit :

Children Youth & Families Dept /

DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial Division/Unit :

DCY•Payroll /

DCYF Deputy Commissioner Work Shift/Work Hours :

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Days of Work :

Monday•

Friday Travel Required :

Yes (10%)

Salary Range:

$49.18•$70.52 / hourly; $102,687•$147,245 / annually

Classified Status :

Classified Bargaining Unit/Union :

220•

Manager/Unrep FLSA Status :

Exempt•Executive Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with

Disabilities:

Yes The Department of Children, Youth, and Families 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. Job Summary Job Summary Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) neighboring state must be a minimum of 50 miles from the St. Paul DCYF office. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking an Office of Systems Change & Public Engagement Director. In this Director level role you will support the Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) by driving and building equity and engagement strategies, implementation of the overall administrative, coordination, and operational responsibilities of equity leadership and engagement activities of the cabinet level state department. This position will serve as the chief advisor to the Commissioner in the areas of Equity and Inclusion, will manage high profile DCYF initiatives, perform special projects, and liaison with agency personnel, Governor's Office, agency partners, media representatives and representatives of public and private sector organizations. Specifically, this position will develop intercultural competencies within DCYF•across its executive team and within the expansive, highly-important administrations•to offer services with an equity lens to the diverse Minnesotans and Minnesota communities served. Office of Systems Change & Public Engagement Director will also serve as an executive leader and have management oversight of engagement functions. Engagement and equity strategies are critical to making sure that Minnesota children, youth, and families are centered in the mission and everyday work. Responsibilities include but may not be limited to: Lead the Office of Systems Change and Public Engagement by setting strategy and guiding agency-wide systems change and engagement efforts that support children, youth, and families across Minnesota. Direct initiatives that align agency policies, programs, and services with community needs and improve long-term effectiveness, collaboration, and service delivery across divisions and partners. Lead efforts to address systemic barriers and disparities affecting outcomes for children, youth, and families, while promoting sustainable, equity-focused solutions. Build and maintain relationships with government, community, and service partners to strengthen public engagement and inform agency strategies and recommendations. Provide leadership and supervision for the Systems Change and Public Engagement Office, including staff management, hiring, performance oversight, and day-to-day operations. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications To 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.•Experience must demonstrate the following: Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration, systems change, public engagement, community engagement, human services, education, public health, or a related field. Experience leading cross-functional or cross-agency initiatives that improve programs, policies, or service delivery for children, youth, and families. Experience developing and maintaining effective partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders. Experience addressing systemic barriers, disparities, or equity-related challenges through policy, program, or organizational change efforts. Supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for staff leadership, performance management, and operational oversight. Strong communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills sufficient to lead agency-wide initiatives and represent the organization with internal and external partners. Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process: Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated interest in issues facing children, youth, and families and the goals of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Relationships with partners, organizations, and community relations served by the new agency. Experience communicating and sharing information with populations with diverse learning styles and abilities. Facilitation and meeting organization experience in diverse groups. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills sufficient to develop effective consensus. Proficiency in complex project management, data-driven solution design, and implementation of recommended results. Knowledge of the research and professional literature on building equitable and inclusive organizations, including promoting accessibility. An understanding of the role and operation of state government and local service delivery. 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 Requirements It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components: Reference check Criminal Background check Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Driver's License Check Personnel File Review:

all current and former public sector employees Additional assessment may be required during the interview process Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Tonika Shobe at tonika.shobe@state.mn.us or 651-539-8015. 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 Tonika Shobe at tonika.shobe@state.mn.us. About Children Youth & Families Dept Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions. This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices. 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 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 Tuition reimbursement 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.