Finance Data Analyst / Research Analysis Spec Sr

The State of Minnesota, Children Youth & Families Department (DCYF) is hiring a temporary Research Analysis Specialist Senior to serve as a senior statistical and analytical expert within the Reports & Forecasts team. Based in Saint Paul, MN (hybrid), this role focuses on advanced analysis and statistical modeling to support statewide program planning, federal reporting, legislative responses, and long-range forecasting for DCYF.

Working with data requests driven by external requirements, the position develops forecasting tools and statistical models that help evaluate program activity, assess policy impacts, and maintain consistency across ad hoc, public, and federally reported datasets. The role also includes expert guidance and quality assurance across divisions, plus technical representation of DCYF in higher-level meetings and consultations.

Responsibilities

• Produce highly technical statistical and analytical products in response to external data requests and federal requirements, including developing original statistical models and forecasting tools to evaluate program activity, assess policy impacts, and maintain consistency across multiple reporting contexts.
• Build innovative analytical tools, modeling systems, and data structures to support statewide reporting and long-term consistency.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive library of common data requests and analytical outputs.
• Provide expert-level guidance and quality assurance for analytical work across divisions to support consistency and integrity.
• Represent DCYF as a technical expert in high-level meetings, federal consultations, and legislative discussions.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience performing data analysis and reporting, including spatial or statistical analysis or modeling; programming to extract, manipulate, and analyze data; and developing data visualizations to present analytical findings.
• Fraud, audit, oversight, or compliance analytics experience.
• Strong knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Experience with data collection, data analysis, data manipulation, data transformation, and interpretation.
• Data visualization skills using Tableau and PowerBI.
• Experience with analytic tools/platforms including R Studio and SAS.

Tools & Technologies

• SQL
• Tableau
• PowerBI
• R Studio
• SAS

Job Details

• Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept
• Division/Unit: DCYF / Reports & Forecasts
• Location: Saint Paul, MN (hybrid)
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Job ID: 97687
• End Date: 09/22/2028
• Salary: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly ($68,841 - $101,476 / annually)
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/13/2026
• Closing Date: 10/27/2026

Benefits

• Full state fringe benefits (position is expected to last up to two (2) years)
• 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
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and present findings, written and verbally, in a succinct and easily understandable manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the MAXIS and/or MEC2 data system (or similar eligibility system for public assistance), including data structure, data relationships, and processes.
• Experience with Minnesota food assistance, family cash assistance, and child care assistance program data, rules, and procedures.
• Understanding of data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and HIPAA.
• Experience collaborating effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of a background investigation prior to employment, which may include reference check, criminal background check, fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS), driver’s license check, and personnel file review for all current and former public sector employees.
• Additional assessment may be required during the interview process.

Application and Contact Information

• How to apply: Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page.
• Careers Help Desk: 651-259-3637; [email protected]
• Questions about the position: Erika Martin at [email protected]
• Connect 700 Program support: apply online and email the Job ID#, Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Anny Xiong at [email protected]
• ADA accommodation for interview: 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at [email protected]