Working Title: Director of Indian Policy
Job Class: Human Services Manager 4
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/30/2024
• Closing Date: 05/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / Deputy Commissioner
• Work Shift: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes (approximately 30% of the time)
• Salary Range: $48.09 - $68.85 / hourly; $100,411 - $143,758 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

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

The Director of Indian Policy is a highly visible role that represents the Department of Human Services (DHS) in American Indian policy-related matters. The incumbent will coordinate Indian policy work across DHS and with other agencies; coordinate staff and/or chair committees, task forces, or advisory groups; provide expert consultation to executive staff; and oversees and accounts for DHS activities relating to Minnesota’s tribal governments to ensure recognition of tribal authorities, interests, and agreements. The focus of the Office of Indian Policy is to strengthen relationships with Tribal Nations with a focus on improving outcomes for American Indian populations throughout the state, particularly regarding the goal of reducing disparities across DHS programs.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Serve as lead DHS staff and support executive leadership in government-to-government consultation and relations with Tribal Nations.
• Provide tribal relations expertise through trainings or other means, and consultation to members of the Senior Strategy Team as part of their regular decision-making process.
• Supervise staff that comprise the Office of Indian Policy. 
• Project planning and coordination of agency wide efforts related to improving health and human service outcomes for American Indians living on/near tribal boundaries as well as urban Indian communities.
• Manage training that is aimed at improving knowledge and skills of DHS staff that are working with Tribal Nations and tribal members.

Qualifications

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.**

Managerial Experience

AND

Three (3) years of experience managing programs related to working with, interacting, and collaborating with tribal nations and tribal communities, including strategic planning and directing the work of staff.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Proven working knowledge and understanding of treaties, tribal sovereignty, and government relations between Tribal Nations, and federal, state, and local governments.
• Strong racial equity lens and cultural competency sufficient to build strong working relationships and communicate across cultural lines.
• Skilled in project planning and operations sufficient to organize projects with others, establish goals and timetables, clarify mutual expectations, and evaluate results.
• Strong interpersonal skills to mediate, persuade, negotiate, and manage relationships with American Indians and urban Indians and effectively resolve problems or issues.
• Knowledge of human services programming and Tribal populations served by those programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in or substantial knowledge of human services programs.
• Knowledge and ability to manage and coordinate an organizational response to the queries, compliments, and complaints of the public and agency stakeholders appropriately and effectively.
• Excellent judgment in providing a high level of discretion and sensitivity to issues affecting the communities.
• Experience in or knowledge of government organizations, functions, and relationships.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

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

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Nikki Farago at Nikki.Farago@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 Alexander Duren at alexander.duren@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 Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept 

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us 

Diverse Workforce 

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission 
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job 
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule 

Comprehensive Benefits 

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include: 

• Public pension plan 
• Training and professional development 
• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Paid parental leave 
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage 
• Prescription drug coverage 
• Vision coverage 
• Wellness programs and resources 
• Employer paid life insurance 
• Short-term and long-term disability 
• Health care spending and savings accounts 
• Dependent care spending account 
• Tax-deferred compensation 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 

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. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.