Policy and Program Analyst

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED’s mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.

We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.

DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.

Job Details

Working Title: Policy and Program Analyst

Job Class: Management Analyst 4

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 94408
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 06/02/2026
• Date Posted: 05/27/2026
• Closing Date: 06/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
• Division/Unit: Paid Family and Medical Leave 
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $33.48 - $49.66 / hourly; $69,906 - $103,690 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

Job Summary

About the Paid Leave Division: 

Paid Leave is a new program that officially launched in Minnesota on January 1, 2026. The program provides partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as a severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child. 

We have built a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. We have engaged the people who depend on us—workers, employers, caregivers, and insurers—to learn from them and build the program around their needs. We use modern service delivery and product practices to deliver the program. 

The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start-up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human-centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.

Position Purpose:

The Policy and Program Analyst plays a critical role on the Paid Leave team, at the intersection of policy development and business analysis. The Policy and Program Analyst advised program staff on policy interpretations, conducts research to develop and inform policy positions, and proposed regulatory and legislative policy changes. This position will work across the Product and Strategy teams to ensure the Paid Leave program has a system that is easy to use and accessible for all Minnesotans. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop policy positions on issues related to program implementation and administration
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise on the statute, regulations, and policy surrounding Paid Leave
• Research and develop primary and secondary evidence to advance and support policy positions
• Coordinate with teams across public engagement, external communications,  data, user experience, and others to produce evidence-based insights
• Act as a resource to all Paid Leave staff and partners to assist in resolving difficult or complex cases for users of the Paid Leave program
• Clearly document regulatory and legislative decisions while also anticipating and articulating potential impacts to program implementation and product development
• Leverage a diverse range of analytical techniques to identify and implement opportunities that enhance access, alignment, and utilization of the Paid Leave program

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Three (3) years* of experience conducting policy and program analysis

*Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing policies
• Experience developing policy documents, briefs, or presentations
• Experience organizing projects with others, establishing goals and timetables, clarifying mutual expectations, and evaluating results
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers/stakeholders to respond openly to request and concerns
• Skill in analytical problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and/or experience with a variety of data analyses and research techniques including interviews, focus groups, and user research
• Experience with State policy development, legislative processes, and rulemaking
• Ability to deal with ambiguity, start-up environment, little or no procedural precedent
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of internal and external stakeholders into decisions and actions
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components: 

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Record Review (current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interview Review
• Driver's Record Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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 View phone number on minnesotajobs.com or email View email address on minnesotajobs.com. For additional information about the application process, go to

Connect 700 Program

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 Talent Acquisition at View email address on minnesotajobs.com.

Veterans  

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to View email address on minnesotajobs.com by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. 

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees  

• Please apply via Self Service.
• If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means. 

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nellie Saunders at View email address on minnesotajobs.com 

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
• 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 View phone number on minnesotajobs.com or email View email address on minnesotajobs.com and let us know the support you need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at View email address on minnesotajobs.com . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

#LI-Hybrid