Working Title: Economist

Job Class: Research Plan & Evaluation Director

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID : 84435

• 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 : 02/26/2025

• Closing Date : 03/18/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Children Youth & Families Dept / Managerial Plan

• Division/Unit : DCYF - Central Office / Finance, Technology, Compliance

• Work Shift: Day Shift

• Work Hours : 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. The new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.

**This position is eligible for telework to applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Telework eligibility is based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office location for occasional in-person meetings is expected.

As Economist, you will be responsible for forecasting expenditures for cash assistance and childcare programs through development and refinement of statistical models and other quantitative analysis. The Economist serves as a primary resource to the Commissioner, executive staff, program managers, legislators, and legislative staff regarding budget development around the MFIP, Housing Assistance, SNAP, Northstar Care, Early Childhood Family Education, Health & Developmental Screenings and Child Care Assistance Programs. The Economist develops fiscal analyses of legislative proposals associated with these forecasted programs and serves as a technical expert on general economic issues as they pertain to these forecasted programs. Responsibilities include:

• Operate as the Primary Division Contact Regarding Budget Development of MFIP, SNAP, Northstar Care for Children, and Child Care Assistance Programs.

• Develop Budget Forecasts for MFIP, Northstar Care for Children, and Child Care Assistance Programs.

• Develop Fiscal Notes for MFIP, Northstar Care for Children, and Child Care Assistance Programs.

• Provide Technical Expertise to DCYF on Economic Issues.

• Provide Technical Support to the Division Director Regarding Forecasting Methodology.

• Provide Consultation on Data and Systems Modifications Needed to Enhance Forecasting and Other Analytical Work.

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.

Demonstrated leadership experience. Leadership experience can include:

• Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, 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., Employee Resource Group) - experience must include:

AND

Four (4) years of experience in forecasting, economic and/or statistical analysis of a public program. Experience must demonstrate:

• Experience analyzing the impact of changes and trends in federal and/or state legislation and associated funding streams.

• Knowledge of government and public administration to develop and influence program policy and fiscal strategies.

• Design and implementation of statistical and econometric forecasting models to support program policy, budget development and long-range planning.

• Determine appropriate data and statistical methods required for policy analysis.

• Apply complex quantitative analysis to administrative data to assess impacts of program policy changes on budgets.

• Extensive use of Excel (or comparable spreadsheet software program) along with experience using at least one advanced statistical/econometric software package, such as Eviews, SAS or R.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Administration or a related field.

• Managing a workload of multiple projects and adjusting methods of working to meet required deadlines.

• Variety of experiences working effecitvely with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.