Early Childhood Administration Product Group Manager / Product Management Direct

Working Title: Early Childhood Administration Product Group Manager / Product Management Director

Job Class: Product Management Director

Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

Job ID: 93979

Location: St. Paul

Telework Eligible: Yes

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.

Date Posted: 05/01/2026

Closing Date: 05/22/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial

Division/Unit: DCYF/ Asst Commr Early Childhood

Work Shift: Day Shift

Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: Yes, occasionally

Salary Range: $45.71 - $65.66 / hourly; $95,442 - $137,098 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep

FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) 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.

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 may be required as needed to meet with end users.

This position was previously posted 5/01 - 5/22. Current applicants need not reapply. Reposting from 7/14-7/28/26.

The Early Childhood Product Group Manager is a senior product and people leader responsible for the supervision and coaching of 5-9 product managers, as well as developing and supporting the strategic direction and delivery of a portfolio of digital products within the Early Childhood Administration at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). In this position, you will have the opportunity to make meaningful positive impact for thousands of families, providers, partner organizations, and other members of the public in Minnesota who engage with the programs and services of the Early Childhood Administration.

This role will be instrumental in moving the early childhood administration at DCYF toward forming a multidisciplinary digital services product organization—including product management, UX/UI design, content strategy, instructional design, and change management—to deliver modern, human-centered digital services that improve program integrity, enhance experiences for families and other users of our digital services, and advance equitable access to services for Minnesotans.

The Product Group Manager is accountable for end‑to‑end product ownership, aligning product strategy, user experience, and adoption efforts across the full lifecycle—from discovery through delivery, adoption, and long-term sustainment. This includes establishing aligned product group vision and roadmaps in partnership with the product managers in the group, embedding human-centered design practices, and driving data-informed decision-making to ensure products deliver measurable outcomes.

Operating in a complex, highly regulated environment, this role requires strong leadership in cross-functional team coordination and development, stakeholder alignment, and systems thinking. The Product Group Manager translates policy, operational, and user needs into clear product direction, ensuring cohesive, accessible, and effective digital experiences at scale.

This position plays a critical role in advancing DCYF digital transformation by integrating product, design, and adoption strategies into a unified model that delivers meaningful impact for Minnesotans.

Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated leadership experience*

Leadership experience can include:

Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;

Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);

A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include:

AND

Five years of experience with at least two (2) years of product leadership expertise leading cross‑functional product management teams AND three (3) years of experience doing product-related work. Experience must demonstrate the following:

People‑leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to support and coach individuals.

Demonstrated ability to translate product strategy into execution artifacts such as roadmaps, plans, communications.

Proven ability to connect product strategy, user experience design, and adoption and change management.

Experience overseeing end‑to‑end product lifecycle delivering end‑to‑end user experiences, not just technical features.

Experience overseeing quality assurance of product deliverables to identify and mitigate product and delivery risks.

Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including influencing without authority and managing up.

Communication and storytelling skills to align teams, executives, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading design-forward product organizations.

Experience integrating UX design, content strategy, and training into product delivery.

Experience owning product strategy and delivery across multiple products or platforms.

Experience with service design or end-to-end journey mapping.

Experience in the public sector or in supporting public sector clients.

Experience with legislative processes including development of budget and policy proposals, fiscal notes, and talking points.

Experience supporting diverse populations, including accessibility and language.

Experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Experience managing vendors or external partners.

Additional Requirements

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

Benefits

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

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.

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