Planning Manager (Services and Programs Administrator)

Position Summary

To lead the department in planning and policy analysis that informs the strategic priorities and goals of the department; to provide accurate, objective, timely and useful research and analysis; identify and evaluate creative solutions to complex internal and external issues that improve effectiveness and responsiveness; to be responsible for the administration and direction of the Policy and Planning and Research and Evaluation unit of the Department to which assigned; to function as a member of the department management group; and to perform related duties as assigned.

The Services and Programs Administrator will be responsible for leading the library department in embedding anti-racism, equity, and inclusion in library programming and services; evaluating and assessing internal and public-facing initiatives; identifying creative solutions to complex internal and external issues to improve relationships with communities of color; supervising staff in community engagement and the co-creation of program and services with communities of color; functioning as a member of the Management and Administration Teams; tracking and reporting organizational data; and performing related duties as assigned.

This vacancy is with the PUBLIC LIBRARY department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Manage the monitoring and evaluation of a broad array of departmental programs and services and supervise Policy and Planning and Research and Evaluation unit staff, as assigned.
• Organize and direct all functions of the Planning and Research and Evaluation unit, as assigned.
• Provide information and analysis on the utilization of the Department's programs, the quality of its services, and the outcomes for clients.
• Analyze and evaluate existing policies and procedures.
• Develop reports and present findings to the Department management and staff, the County board, state and federal agencies, community groups, and the public.
• Provide data as required to meet state and federal mandates and reporting requirements.
• Function as a member of the Department Management Group, which oversees and directs planning, research and evaluation, budgeting/finance, and operations.
• Respond to ad hoc requests for information by extracting data from the state and county-level data systems.
• Oversee special research projects involving contracted researchers, university-based groups, and student interns.
• Assist managers and supervisors with the development of programs and services to specific target populations.
• Represent the department at meetings with federal, state and county officials.
• Meet with private organizations, special interest groups or interested parties to determine community priorities and strategies.
• Serve as a resource to the department, providing policy and planning and research and evaluation expertise.
• Assist management in the presentation of new programs, policy recommendations, and planning and evaluation information to the County Board.
• As part of a budget team, help develop and recommend a divisional budget and assist Directors in determining the budgetary needs of divisions and the Department as a whole.
• Develop and implement strategies for planning and evaluation of service delivery.
• Analyze proposed legislation and regulatory requirements for potential impact to the department and service programs to target populations. Propose and coordinate the development of new legislative issues in response to departmental needs and coordinate the department's legislative efforts.
• Work cooperatively with the Department Director and other division directors, managers and administrators in establishing and achieving both departmental and divisional goals and objectives.
• Coordinate, develop and maintain the department's performance measurement system as required. Provide evaluation data on the Department as required as part of the County's semi-annual budgeting and performance measurement system.
• Oversee ongoing data collection methods, analyze data and write the Department's Annual Report.
• Coordinate and oversee reports and present findings to department management and staff, the County Board, state and federal agencies, community groups and the public.
• Coordinate strategic planning and community health planning efforts, including collection and analysis of data; identification of priority health issues; develop objectives, strategies and partnerships to address issues and align departmental mission, vision, strategy and goals.
• Conduct or direct research and policy analysis studies including issue identification and clarification, literature review, assessment of best practices, environmental scanning, economic and business analysis of external trends, program evaluation, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, survey development, impact assessments, census data analysis and policy development options and recommendations to support the decision-making process of the department.
• Work with division directors, managers and administration to assist in identifying human service or public health program impacts by researching pertinent legislation, health trends, and community needs, by interpreting the results of data collection, and by identifying service delivery strategies and research.
• Provide leadership for the development and delivery of staff training and coordination of cognitive behavioral programming for clients, as assigned.
• Responsible for implementation of evidenced based practices within a department or facility setting; provide direction and oversight for e-learning, classroom training, skill practice, applied observation, coaching and feedback. Create and sustain high-quality programming for clients in both individual and group settings, as assigned.
  
  

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, public health, social or behavioral science or other related area.

Experience: Seven (7) years of experience in service planning, service delivery, public policy, evaluation or a related function appropriate to human services, public health, corrections, or assigned department.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certification/Licensure: None.

Preferred: Ability to provide transportation to and from meetings.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%
  
  

The examination for the Planning Manager (Services and Programs Administrator) will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who properly completed and submitted an application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Planning Manager (Services and Programs Administrator). This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 30 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application (Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting AND answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contactLindsey.Hunter@co.ramsey.mn.us.

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
• Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee legally married spouse, Employee Child(ren), Family
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
• MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
• VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
  
  

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
• Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
  
  

• Paid time off
• Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
• Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
• Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
• Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
  
  

• Retirement benefits
• Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
• New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
• Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
• Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
  
  

• Transit and parking
• Fully funded Metropass.
• Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
  
  

• Employee well-being
• Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
• Wellness programming
• Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
  
  

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
• County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
• Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
• Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
  
  

• Career development
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
• Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
• County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
  

For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in business administration, public administration, public health, social or behavioral science or other related area. Degree must be earned prior to closing date of this job posting.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above
  
  

04

If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion, type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.

05

Which best describes your full-time equivalent experience with service planning, service delivery, public policy, evaluation or a related function appropriate to a Library department?

• No experience in this area
• Less than 5 years of experience
• 5 years or more, but less than 6 years of experience
• 6 years or more, but less than 7 years of experience
• 7 years or more of experience.
  
  

06

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."

07

Ramsey County is committed to building a culturally inclusive work environment in which our employees have the skills to interact effectively and respectfully with people of cultures different than their own. Please choose the statement that best describes your professional and/or volunteer experience working or interacting with diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations.

• I have had very limited contact with diverse populations.
• I have had informal contact with people from many different cultures through everyday life.
• I have experience in a professional or para-professional position with one or more group(s) of a different culture, other than my own, that makes up less than fifty percent of the client population.
• I have extensive experience in a professional or para-professional position with one or more group(s) of a different culture, other than my own, that makes up less than fifty percent of the client population.
  
  

08

Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A" in the space below.

09

How many years of experience do you have in project management?

• I have no experience in project management.
• I have 1 to 3 years of experience in project management.
• I have 3 to 5 years of experience in project management.
• I have 5 years of experience in project management.
  
  

10

Please describe where you gained the above experience. Please provide specific details of the work you performed, including the name of the employer, your job title, and the total number of years you held the position. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" are not acceptable. Do not copy and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please enter "N/A."

11

How many years of experience do you have working in a library setting?

• I have no experience in this area.
• I have more than 1 but less than 3 years of experience.
• I have more than 3 but less than 5 years of experience.
• I have 5 years or more experience in this area.
  
  

12

Please describe where you gained the above experience. Please provide specific details of the work you performed, including the name of the employer, your job title, and the total number of years you held the position. Responses such as “see resume” or “see application” are not acceptable. Do not copy and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please enter “N/A.”

13

How many years of experience do you have in community engagement?

• No experience in community engagement.
• I have one to three years of experience in community engagement.
• I have three to five years of experience in community engagement.
• I have five years of experience or more in community engagement.
  
  

14

Please describe where you gained the above experience. Please provide specific details of the work you performed, including the name of the employer, your job title, and the total number of years you held the position. Responses such as “see resume” or “see application” are not acceptable. Do not copy and paste your resume. If you do not have this experience, please enter “N/A.”

• Required Question