Working Title: Senior Learning & Development Specialist
Job Class: Training & Development Specialist 4
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
- Job ID: 97844
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes* The role requires on-site attendance at the St. Paul, Minnesota office at least 50 percent of the time.
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 10/20/2026
- Closing Date: 11/02/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
- Division/Unit: DCY - Central Office / Human Resources Learning & Dev
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / 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 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 options within Minnesota or neighboring states, as well as flexible work hours, are available for this position. The role requires on-site attendance at the St. Paul, Minnesota office at least 50 percent of the time.
The Senior Learning & Development Specialist serves as a learning and development strategist and designer on the Employee Experience Team. This position is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating complex, agency-wide training programs that strengthen leadership capability, workforce skills, and organizational effectiveness. Working in partnership with the Director of Employee Experience, the incumbent contributes high-level expertise to agency training strategy, designs major leadership and professional development initiatives, and provides advanced organizational learning and facilitation services to support effective teams and managers. The position develops comprehensive learning solutions and evaluates their impact to enhance DCYF’s employee development environment and advance equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive learning experiences across the agency.
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.**
Three (3) years professional training and development experience in designing and delivering training, requiring thorough needs assessment, establishing strong learning objectives, developing multiple delivery methods, developing content, and evaluating effectiveness.
At least two (2) years of the above experience should be providing supervisor, manager, and leadership training and development.
Above Experience Must Demonstrate
- A history of working with organizational leadership and business partners, identifying effective solutions to meet a variety of employee development needs and requirements.
- Experience conducting organizational or workforce learning needs assessments and translating findings into learning strategies, programs, or development plans.
- Experience creating visually polished, well designed training materials and learner resources (digital and physical) using Microsoft Office Suite and related tools, including integration of graphics, images, and multimedia.
- Technology fluency in digital learning tools, such as e-learning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline/Rise preferred), collaboration platforms, virtual/hybrid training platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including vendors and government agencies.
- Strong interpersonal skills working with staff, trainees, subject matter experts, organization leaders, and diverse audiences.
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development, Organizational Development, Instructional Design or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or higher in Human Resource Development, Organizational Development, Instructional Design or other closely related field as determined by the agency.
- Demonstrated understanding of the challenges of supervision, and exposure to principles of effective leadership, gained through experience in supervising or leading the work of others.
- Experience designing and implementing leadership and management development programs at a department-wide level, including competency frameworks, learning pathways, and multi¿year development plans
- Experience developing workforce or digital skills training, such as communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, team effectiveness, and Microsoft 365/digital fluency programs.
- Experience working with Health and Human Services programs.
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
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 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 Annie Marin at annie.marin@state.mn.us.
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 Annie Marin at annie.marin@state.mn.us.
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 ada.dcyf@state.mn.us.
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
