Data Practices Officer

Teachers Retirement Association of Minnesota – Data Practices Officer

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with strong data analysis, data governance, and/or data program management skills to serve as TRA’s Data Practices Officer.

Our Data Practices Officer position exists to provide leadership for the data privacy, data practices, records management, and document retention responsibilities of TRA. The position will be responsible for the supervision of TRA Records and Data Management systems, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and recommending revisions when appropriate; and developing the processes used to gather and share data. This role will also enforce compliance with related laws including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, and oversee public data requests. Lastly, the incumbent hired into this position will serve as a resource for managers, supervisors, and employees regarding data maintained by TRA, and will develop and maintain a data practices training program for all employees.

This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes in-person work. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of progressive, work experience in Data Management, Data Retention Schedule Creation, or Government Program Compliance working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or a similar body of law, regulation, or legislation.

A Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Work experience must demonstrate the following:

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or serving as a high-level subject matter expert of a complex program.
• Experience in developing, documenting, and implementing initiatives, processes, programs or policies.
• Experience with state and federal data privacy laws and requirements, such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, sufficient to respond to requests for information.
• Experience working with state records retention laws, such as the Minnesota Records Retention law sufficient to create and/or manage various retention schedules.
• Ability to research and interpret state and federal public information laws and regulations sufficient to respond to data practices requests, including collecting and analyzing data to determine its proper classification and safeguarding not public data. 
• Strong research and analytical skills in order to navigate complex regulatory requirements. 
• Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills to manage and convey technical information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders, and fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Cisco WebEx; or equivalent software packages.

Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for business travel. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
• Experience working with Minnesota Records Retention law.
• Experience successfully managing a budget.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations related to data privacy violations.
• An Advanced degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

** Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **

It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check

How to Apply

Visit the MN Careers webpage: and search using the Job ID #94367. 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 

Contact

If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at  View email address on minnesotajobs.com .

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 Justin Johnson 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

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $40.86 - $59.07/hourly; $85,315 - $123,338/ annually and the compensation offer will be dependent upon candidate qualifications.

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. 

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our St. Paul Office location.

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.comor email  View email address on minnesotajobs.com and let us know the support you nee