Policy and Program Analyst

About the Paid Leave Division: Paid Leave is a new program that officially launched in Minnesota on January 1, 2026. The program provides partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as a severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child.We have built a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. We have engaged the people who depend on us—workers, employers, caregivers, and insurers—to learn from them and build the program around their needs. We use modern service delivery and product practices to deliver the program.The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start-up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human-centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.Position Purpose:The Policy and Program Analyst plays a critical role on the Paid Leave team, at the intersection of policy development and business analysis. The Policy and Program Analyst advised program staff on policy interpretations, conducts research to develop and inform policy positions, and proposed regulatory and legislative policy changes. This position will work across the Product and Strategy teams to ensure the Paid Leave program has a system that is easy to use and accessible for all Minnesotans.Key Responsibilities:Develop policy positions on issues related to program implementation and administrationDevelop and maintain subject matter expertise on the statute, regulations, and policy surrounding Paid LeaveResearch and develop primary and secondary evidence to advance and support policy positionsCoordinate with teams across public engagement, external communications, data, user experience, and others to produce evidence-based insightsAct as a resource to all Paid Leave staff and partners to assist in resolving difficult or complex cases for users of the Paid Leave programClearly document regulatory and legislative decisions while also anticipating and articulating potential impacts to program implementation and product developmentLeverage a diverse range of analytical techniques to identify and implement opportunities that enhance access, alignment, and utilization of the Paid Leave programThis position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.Minimum QualificationsPlease 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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.Three (3) years* of experience conducting policy and program analysis*Master's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experienceApplicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing policiesExperience developing policy documents, briefs, or presentationsExperience organizing projects with others, establishing goals and timetables, clarifying mutual expectations, and evaluating resultsAbility to communicate effectively with customers/stakeholders to respond openly to request and concernsSkill in analytical problem-solvingWorking together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?A sense of purpose in their workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities for personal and professional growthBenefits 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 leave12 paid holidays each yearLow-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plansFertility care, including IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent careResources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-beingSupport to help you reach your career goals:Training, classes, and professional developmentFederal 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 performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder carePrograms, 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.