Project Manager - State Prog Admin Manager

Working Title: Project Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID: 97838
• 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: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Cannabis Management Office / Cannabis Mgt Off-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Cannabis Management Office-OCM / COO Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25%
• Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

This position will act as a leader on transition planning and the launch of a new state agency. The Project Manager will provide leadership, expert program and project management, lead plans and coordination of functions across agencies. The Project Manager will develop and manage implementation timelines, facilitate multiple complex work streams, and execute project plans.

This job post will be used to fill up to four (4) positions.

This position is located in St. Paul and is required to report to the office three (3) days per week and may telework two (2) days per week.

A successful incumbent in this position will be able to:

• Provide leadership, expert program and project management, lead plans and coordination of functions across the agency.
• Develop and manage project implementation timelines, facilitate multiple complex work streams, and execute project plans.
• Provide advice and counsel to cross-division teams.
• Work collaboratively with expert project management and proactive organization to advance through competing demands.
• Anticipate needs to facilitate change, outcomes and progress in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, 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.

• Four (4) years of project management that includes recommending strategies, creating workstreams, and conducting cross agency/division planning.
• Experience leading and supporting multiple leaders with potentially conflicting needs.
• Experience implementing work plans and initiatives within a dynamic or ambiguous environment, and leading staff and colleagues through changing circumstances.
• Experience writing reports, correspondence, and memoranda sufficient to clearly communicate, promote, and justify plans, decision-points, outcomes, and recommendations.
• Ability to analyze issues by gathering relevant information, considering a broad range of issues or factors, grasping complexities and perceived relationships, and seeking input from others.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with public officials, policy makers, and the legislature.
• Experience facilitating meetings by creating agendas, providing timely briefs and communicating meeting summaries and reports.
• Experience anticipating gaps and identifying areas of improvement in project management and building responses to the need.
• Ability to build consensus on often sensitive issues, create win-win situations to resolve disagreements and disputes, and lead the discussion of program objects and need.
• Cannabis regulatory and/or other regulatory experience.
  
  

Additional Requirements

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

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment reference check
• Conflict of interest review
• Criminal background check
  
  

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeannette Wakefield at jeannette.wakefield1@state.mn.us or 651-539-5001.

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 Jeannette Wakefield at jeannette.wakefield1@state.mn.us.

The Office of Cannabis Management supports our Veterans in job employment. If invited to interview, recently separated veterans will be required to present their DD-214 to the hiring agency for verification.

About Cannabis Management Office

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is the primary regulatory office for the state’s new and expanding cannabis industry (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products). OCM is tasked with issuing business licenses, providing education and technical support to new businesses, administering grants to support community reinvestment and to organizations that will help farmers navigate the new industry, and overseeing all aspects of Minnesota’s cannabis industry. Join our team and become a part of OCM’s mission to foster an equitable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer confidence, and market integrity!

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.