Senior Project Manager - Planning Director State

Job summary

The Senior Project Manager leads complex, cross-agency projects and implements continuous improvement methodologies to enhance departmental performance. They provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and consultation to standardize project management best practices across the organization.

Job details

Working Title: Senior Project Manager Job Class: Planning Director State Agency: Human Services Dept Job ID: 97071 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: 09/16/2026 Closing Date: 10/06/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / MS PPIS Team Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: No Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / 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 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. DHS 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. This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.*** As a Senior Project Manager, the incumbent will support the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) efforts in project and program implementation. This position provides implementation services for complex programs and projects involving multiple DHS administrations, other state agencies, and sensitive and challenging problems. This position leads the most complex project management implementation activities, leads the most sensitive and challenging projects and provides coaching and mentorship to other members of the team. The position will be responsive to division and senior leadership requests and help build staff capacity enterprise-wide, ultimately helping to institutionalize a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI), Project Management (PM) and performance measurement in the department. Responsibilities Include But May Not Be Limited To Using Project Management and Continuous Improvement methodologies, provide project and/or program/portfolio planning and management on large, complex projects across the agency to develop strong, sustainable programs, processes, and policies. Leading business area leadership and staff across DHS in the design, development and implementation of complex business processes, performance and communication planning, implementation planning, data system development and implementation. Provide project management consultation and work on cross-agency efforts to promote and standardize project management best practices. Lead planning for the Smartsheet and Project Management Community of Practice and serve on the planning team for enterprise Smartsheet license management. Provide leadership expertise and strategic planning for knowledge transfer services and performance measurement at DHS. 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.** Three (3) years of experience with project management, continuous improvement projects and complex business processes. Experience Must Also Demonstrate The successful application of project management theory and best practices on large and complex projects; including planning, assigning tasks, tracking and reporting progress, and measuring project success. Managing projects with strategic value to an organization, including working directly with leadership to align project outcomes with business needs. Formal training or certification in project management tools or methodologies, including using project management tools (e.g. Gantt charts, communication plans, task tracking and project plans, etc.). Experience conducting data planning, collection, analysis, and reporting. Evaluating, designing, and improving business processes and procedures. Experience leading cross-functional projects, process improvement or operational change initiatives. Experience training and/or coaching Project Management tools and methodologies. Effective communication of timelines, expectations, progress, and results. Ability to hold difficult conversations and facilitate consensus. The application of Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies and principles to improvement efforts within an organization. Utilization of a variety of CI tools and approaches, including customizing tools and templates to support unique business needs. Preferred Qualifications Certification in Continuous Improvement methodologies such as LEAN, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Expertise with DMAIC/ DMADV or similar methodology to include defining a problem, analyzing data to understand the problem, identifying solutions and process improvements to solve the problem. Successful leadership of multiple process improvement projects. Facilitation of continuous improvement events, such as Kaizen, solution design sessions, and process mapping. Experience with knowledge management tools, systems, and processes. Experience creating, modifying, and presenting training to groups of varying size. Certification in change management or experience with the practical application of change management practices. Experience with SharePoint including creating sites, setting permissions, and creating document libraries. Experience with Smartsheet, including sheets, reports and dashboards. Strong experience in data analysis, interpretation, and synthesis to present accurate and useful information. 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. 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 this position, contact Adam Colberg at adam.colberg@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. 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.

What you’ll do

The Senior Project Manager leads complex, cross-agency projects and implements continuous improvement methodologies to enhance departmental performance. They provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and consultation to standardize project management best practices across the organization.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of experience in project management, continuous improvement, and complex business process design. Proficiency in project management tools, data analysis, and the ability to facilitate consensus among stakeholders is required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation • Sick leave • Paid holidays • Medical insurance • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Prescription drug plans • Fertility care • Diabetes care • Pension plan • Life insurance • Short-term disability insurance • Long-term disability insurance • Tuition reimbursement • Employee assistance program

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Mentorship · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• SharePoint · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Process Mapping · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Facilitation · Preferred
• Lean · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Project management
• Continuous improvement
• Strategic planning
• Business process design
• Performance measurement
• Data analysis
• Change management
• Mentorship
• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Smartsheet
• SharePoint
• Communication
• Facilitation
• Process mapping
• Knowledge management

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Government & Public Sector
• Social Services
• Data & Analytics
• Consulting