Job Details

Working Title: SLEDS Director
Job Class: OHE Director
Agency: Office of Higher Education

• Job ID: 96336
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Office of Higher Education/OHE
• Division/Unit: Research
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 10%
• Salary Range: $47.91 - $66.89 / hourly; $100,036 - $139,666 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities :No

Job Summary

The SLEDS Director is responsible for ensuring the appropriate collection, management, and use of SLEDS and ECLDS data to support the State of Minnesota and partner agencies identify the most viable pathways for individuals in achieving successful outcomes in early care, education, and work; inform decisions to support and improve early care, education, and workforce policy and practice, and assist in creating a more seamless early care, education, and workforce system for all Minnesotans, especially for historically excluded populations.

Additional responsibilities include enforcing appropriate use of both public and private data in accordance with federal and state data privacy regulations and responding to requests for data from the Minnesota Legislature, the Governor's Office, and other stakeholders in a timely, accurate, and secure manner as allowed by federal and state law.

This position requires developing and maintaining positive relationships with key stakeholders and work with a high degree of independence as they collaborate with the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership, multiple state agencies, external organizations, and the P-20 education systems in the state and nationally. High level of professionalism is required, with the ability to manage a complex interagency team, and have an outcome-driven focus to lead a cohesive and committed team of professionals and stakeholders. The incumbent must possess a broad familiarity with research and statistics relevant to higher education and/or workforce policy.

Occasional travel is required for out-of-state meetings.

This role is expected to demonstrate the following State of Minnesota leadership competencies: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organization, Leading Outside the Organization, Leading with DEAI, and Getting Work Done.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume/application clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered:

• Five (5) years of experience working with database structures and large data sets, including SQL querying, data sourcing, cleaning, validation, analysis and interpretation.
• Understanding of longitudinal data and research pertaining to early care, education, and work.
• Knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Experience with data visualization including use of R, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or related software.
• Ability to deliver data-driven presentations to a variety of stakeholders and diverse audiences.
• Strategic leadership and cross-team facilitation, including management, team building and creating positive organizational culture.
• Demonstrated experience managing and monitoring budgets.

Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Data Science, Math, Computer Science, or related field will count towards 12 months experience, or Master's Degree or higher in Social Science, Data Science, Math, Computer Science, or related field will count towards 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher with 5+ years of experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience in data management and conducting or directing research projects.
• Five (5) years of demonstrated experience managing large groups, competing demands and complex projects involving external stakeholders.
• Previous experience working with data related to postsecondary education.
• Demonstrated experience with data governance, including data privacy, data sharing agreements, and ethical research practices (IRB processes and compliance).
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including evidence of published research.
• Experience managing and supervising of contracts, professional staff, and/or contractors.
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to position self and move sufficiently to perform repetitive tasks
• Maintain a stationary position for long periods of time
• Ability to carry up to 20 pounds of weight on an infrequent basis

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security Verification

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kaochi Pha at [email protected] or 651-359-3943.

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 Kaochi Pha at [email protected] .