Job Summary
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 security, 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, oversee public data requests, and perform workplace investigations related to data privacy violations and personnel matters. 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, professional experience in Data Management, Data Security, 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.**
Professional experience must demonstrate the following:
- Supervisory, managerial, or other leadership responsibility to guide, coach, motivate, and provide constructive feedback to others in their job duties. Leadership experience can include, but is not limited to: training staff, serving as a lead worker, and/or working as an organization’s subject matter expert for a large program.
- Experience in successfully managing competing projects and participating in strategic initiatives with major organizational impact.
- Experience proposing, implementing, and evaluating organizational objectives and solutions for policies and procedure creation; performance metrics; and process improvement purposes.
- Frequent communication (verbal and written) of technical information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of data privacy laws and requirements sufficient to respond to requests for information.
- Knowledge of records retention laws sufficient to create and/or manage various retention schedules.
- Ability to analyze complex information and data in order to manage data requests in alignment with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
- Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate on enterprise projects and initiatives; communicate information about sensitive topics; conduct investigations; influence others to resolve conflicting viewpoints; and champion a work culture that advocates for inclusion.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Cisco WebEx; or equivalent software packages.
All incumbents must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for in-state business travel. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
Experience working with the Minnesota Records Retention law.
Experience successfully managing a budget.
Experience conducting workplace investigations related to data privacy violations and/or personnel matters.
An Advanced degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
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
- Employee Reference Check
- Social Security and Address Verification
- Education Verification
- Driver's License Check
How to Apply
Visit the MN Careers webpage: http://www.mn.gov/careers and search using the Job ID # 86621. 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 the position or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
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 jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.
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.
Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
