Senior Continuous Improvement Analyst / Planning Director State

Working Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Analyst

Job Class: Planning Director State

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 90803
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes*
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 12/19/25 date. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 12/12/2025
• Closing Date: 01/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF / DCYF MS OCI Team
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No*
• Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

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.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
  
  

This position exists to support DCYF’s efforts in continuous improvement and innovation. This position is a subject matter expert in continuous improvement, project leadership, data analysis, training development and facilitation, conflict resolution and various technologies and applies that expertise to lead improvement initiatives, mentor leaders and staff, create and deliver dynamic training, and design and maintain technology leveraged by the office and division. This position solves the most complex problems and leads the most sensitive and challenging projects within the office and provides coaching and mentorship to other members of the team and staff at all levels on leading their own improvement efforts. This position has regular contact and communication with DCYF management, executive leadership, Tribal Nations, counties, and staff of other State agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead complex improvement and innovation projects across the department
• Serve as OCI continuous improvement and innovation project management and data expert
• Develop and deliver CI training and mentorship to DCYF at all levels throughout the agency
• Serve as DCYF OCI liaison with DCYF management and representative of DCYF OCI
  
  

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.**
  
  

Four (4) years of experience with continuous improvement and organizational change management

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:

• Applying continuous improvement concepts, methods, and tools to business processes
• Experience leading or coordinating projects, developing and delivering training to diverse adult learners
• Complex problem solving and strategic thinking utilizing data planning and analysis
• Experience collaborating effectively across all levels of an organization, from the C-Suite to front-line staff
• Knowledge of change management theories/models/tools
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional education/certification in continuous improvement
• Experience in leading large-scale systemic change initiatives
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of DCYF programs and their interrelationships and an understanding of public sector policy and procedures, and of government functions and relations
• A master’s degree in an area related to change leadership and management
  
  

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
  
  

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 the position, contact Valerie Neff at valerie.neff@state.mn.us.

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 Luis Hernandez Cuate at luis.hernandez-cuate@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.

About The Department Of Children, Youth And Families Department

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.