Friend, Family and Neighbor Policy Specialist / State Prog Admin Coordinator

Working Title: Family, Friend and Neighbor ( F FN) Policy Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Coordinator

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 95635
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 7/27/26. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.
• Date Posted: 07/20/2026
• Closing Date: 08/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCY - Central Office / DCYF CPM Child Development Svcs
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, 5%
• 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 Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF 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.

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

• Statewide travel is possible 5 percentage of the time.

As the Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Policy Specialist, you will lead the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of cross-division and cross-agency efforts to advance policies and programs for Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers in Minnesota. FFN caregivers are family members, friends and neighbors that care for children outside of a formal child care setting, a frequent choice for parents with young children and an essential part of our state’s child care and early childhood system.

Responsibilities

The FFN Policy Specialist, reporting to the Provider & Workforce Supports Manager in the Child Care Services Division, holds the following responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and direction for efforts to support FFN caregivers with a focus on policy and program development to advance understanding of the role of FFN caregivers in the early childhood field and as a key support for family access to child care.
• Collaborates extensively across divisions within DCYF, state agencies, external partner organizations, and community-based interest holders to ensure that practice, program and policy decisions to support FFN caregivers and the families and children they serve are grounded in their lived reality, provide the needed supports for FFN caregivers and families to ensure that quality care for working parents in FFN caregiving settings exists and the caregivers have trusting community relationships that support enhanced skills and knowledge.
• Serves as a lead subject matter expert on FFN caregivers and the families and children they serve for the division and agency.
• Serves as lead project manager for FFN-related special projects, including vendor contracts.

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.**

Four (4) Years Of Experience In Child Care And Early Childhood Or Other Human Services Developing Or Managing Programs. Work Experience Must Include The Following

• Demonstrated expertise managing the development, implementation and/or improvement of public sector projects, programs, or policies.
• Demonstrated project and interest holder management skills, including the ability to organize and execute work based on project goals, prioritize amidst competing interests, and effectively engage a variety of interest holders to advance the work.
• Experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through management practice (e.g., creating psychologically safe teams and work environments) and/or through project work (e.g., leading projects that advance equity and center those most impacted by policy decisions).
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills and experience communicating with diverse groups of interest holders, including leaders and communities, in a way that is clear, inclusive, and professional.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, including proactively anticipating barriers and adapting to overcome challenges, innovating, and designing with a user-focused mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, public administration, early childhood, or a related field.
• Lived experience relevant for the work of long-range planning on key policy issues to improve the lives of children and families such as, personal, family, or community experiences related to key policy issues (e.g. child care and early childhood, workforce development, poverty and/or racial or social justice).
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s legislative process, state policies, procedures and practices, and research institution landscape.
• Research and program evaluation knowledge sufficient to interpret complex policy issues, make accurate decisions and recommendations, and to provide sound information and analysis for legislative and executive decision making.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)
• Driver’s License Check
• Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

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_hidden***. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Deb Swenson-Klatt at [email protected].

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 Anny Xiong at [email protected].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [email protected].

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.

This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.

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 ***email_hidden*** and let us know the support you need.