Legal Operations Director - State Prog Admin Manager Sr

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager SeniorWorking Title: Legal Operations DirectorJob Class: State Program Administrator, Manager SeniorAgency: Children Youth & Families Dept
Job ID: 98204
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes*, up to 50%
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/25/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: DCYF / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial
Division/Unit: DCYF / General Counsel
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly;
$93,542 - $134,592 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
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.
Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.
The Legal Operations Director is a position of service – service to the General Counsel Team, service to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) staff, and service to the communities that DCYF serves.
To that end, the Legal Operations Director will provide strategic leadership and direction to support and grow the infrastructure of the DCYF General Counsel’s Office (GCO). The DCYF GCO is a rapidly growing team that is developing a unique style of providing legal services throughout the agency to better meet DCYF’s mission of serving children, youth, and families throughout Minnesota. To support that service, DCYF GCO needs a visionary, roll-up-their sleeves leader to 1) support a service-oriented team that is evolving to meet the needs of the GCO, 2) stabilize the current GCO infrastructure, 3) develop and implement interim processes and systems to support the GCO, and 4) identify and build future-state processes, systems, and engagement strategies.
The Director will play a key role in supporting DCYF’s General Counsel Team with systems, tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to meet the agency’s legal needs and obligations and support the agency in achieving service goals for the people of Minnesota. The position requires impeccable character, person-oriented approach to service, independent decision-making, program oversight, and a high level of responsibility for managing sensitive, high-impact initiatives across divisions and external organizations.
Responsibilities Include
Actively develop effective relationships with staff, leadership, partners, and legal stakeholders.
Develop and manage both interim and future strategic legal systems, initiatives, and projects, the goal of which is to improve agency practices and systems that ensure compliance with agency legal obligations and tracking. Connect and systematize efforts to support effective use of these initiatives.
Evaluate GCO performance through development of metrics and assessment methods to identify functional efficiency, key areas for improvement efforts, and proactively identify areas of potential deficiencies.
Direct and oversee GCO non-attorney functions and staff.
Maintain current knowledge of statutes, regulations, and policies governing DCYF GCO work. Oversee DCYF’s interactions with the appellate courts, district courts, the Court of Administrative Hearings, and the DHS Appeals Division and related systems access.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of experience in legal operations, public sector law, public sector administration, non-profit administration, or compliance.
Experience Must Demonstrate The Following
Expertise in identifying gaps and developing solutions to meet an organization’s needs.
Expertise in managing litigation documentation, developing technology, and using tools from the Microsoft 365 Stack such as SharePoint, Forms, Teams, or similar programs to support effective administrative functions.
Experience in assessing complex legal issues, developing solutions, and exercising sound judgment to align strategies with agency objectives.
Experience understanding and acknowledging the unique contributions of others and ensuring stakeholders and colleagues have opportunities to provide input.
Ability to create and communicate a strategic vision for the organization and a roadmap to achieve the vision.
Experience identifying project challenges and modifying or adjusting course to meet objectives.
AND
Demonstrated leadership* experience
Leadership experience can include:
Experience as a supervisor, leadworker, team lead, project lead:
Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.G. ELI, L4);
A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.G. ERG) - experience must include:
1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions
100+ hours per year time commitment
Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process:
Ability to effectively articulate complex technology solutions to non-technical people.
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in writing.
Ability to demonstrate service-oriented approach to achieving the objectives for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
A Juris Doctor (JD) or master’s degree in law, public administration, or a related field.
A paralegal degree or certification.
Experience working with state agencies, legislative processes, or public sector legal compliance.
Experience in collaborating with government officials, courts, executive leadership, and community organizations to facilitate legal processes.
Expertise in human services law, administrative hearings, civil rights enforcement, or regulatory compliance.
Advanced proficiency for use and development of legal software, case management tools, and data privacy systems such as Granicus GovQA, Everlaw, FileNet, and the Microsoft 365 Stack including Teams and SharePoint.
Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional RequirementsIt 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
About Children Youth & Families DeptOur 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
BenefitsAs 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 variesbased on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 DisabilitiesMinnesota 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 Voir le numéro de téléphone sur ca.hrm.tc or email Voir email sur ca.hrm.tc and let us know the support you need.
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