Director of Office of Systems & Public Engagement

Job Overview

The Director of the Office of Systems Change & Public Engagement will support the Commissioner of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) by leading equity, engagement, and systems change initiatives across the agency. The role serves as chief advisor on Equity and Inclusion, manages high‑profile DCYF initiatives, and partners with government, community, media, and private sector organizations to promote equity‑focused services for Minnesota children, youth, and families.

• Lead the Office of Systems Change and Public Engagement by setting strategy and guiding agency‑wide systems change and engagement efforts.
• Direct initiatives that align agency policies, programs, and services with community needs, improving long‑term effectiveness, collaboration, and service delivery.
• 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.
• Provide leadership and supervision for the Systems Change and Public Engagement Office, including staff management, hiring, performance oversight, and day‑to‑day operations.

• 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.

• 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.

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, including reference check, criminal background check, fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS), driver’s license check, and personnel file review of all current and former public sector employees.

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans (including fertility care, diabetes care, and dental/orthodontic care for adults and children)
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income after retirement following at least three years of service
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that support physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being, along with training, tuition reimbursement, and federal public service loan forgiveness opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support for personal and work‑life challenges

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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.