Job Description
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.
DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.
Working Title: Data Validation and Systems Lead Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID : 89424
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework.
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 12/30/2025.
- Date Posted : 12/24/2025
- Closing Date : 01/05/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment & Economic Development / MAPE
- Division/Unit : Workforce Development
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes, up to 10%.
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
- Job Class Option : Compliance
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
- FLSA Status : Nonexempt
- 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.
Job Summary As the Data Validation Systems Lead, you will take the lead on Minnesota's statewide data validation efforts across federal workforce programs administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)-including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, Wagner-Peyser, and Trade Adjustment Assistance. You will ensure compliance with federal and state requirements through hands-on data review, technical assistance, and oversight of validation processes.
In this role, you will guide and support data validation staff, manage and enhance the Smartsheet-based Employment and Training Programs (ETP) grant tracking system and workspaces, and develop tools and policies that improve data quality, system usability, and performance reporting. You will drive technical innovation and strengthen workforce program data accountability statewide.
Responsibilities to include:
- Lead statewide data validation efforts, including planning, scheduling, and executing participant file reviews.
- Provide mentorship, training, and technical direction to validation staff.
- Deliver technical assistance to grantees to improve data practices, documentation, and compliance.
- Manage and enhance Smartsheet-based ETP grant tracking systems, dashboards, and tools.
- Coordinate with internal staff and external partners to ensure alignment of data practices with federal and state requirements.
- Compile, interpret, and present validation results and trend data to leadership to inform policy and program improvements.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to update validation tools, guides, and procedures
This 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.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications 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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Three (3) years* of experience leading data validation, quality assurance, or compliance monitoring for federal or state workforce programs, including staff guidance, system management, and reporting.
*Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
- Knowledge of workforce programs, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related federal/state requirements.
- Skill in conducting analysis and using data validation, quality assurance, and compliance monitoring to inform program requirements.
- Experience using Smartsheet, Workforce One (WF1), MNWorks, SharePoint, Excel, and other Microsoft Office tools for system oversight, dashboards, and reporting.
- Ability to analyze complex participant data, interpret technical guidance, and apply standards consistently.
- Experience providing training, technical assistance, or guidance to staff and external partners.
- Experience leading teams or projects, coordinating stakeholders, and monitoring quality, timelines, and program outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience developing, managing, or using systems or tools designed for compliance tracking, regulatory reporting, or audit documentation.
- Experience managing or improving grant tracking systems and dashboards. Developing tools, templates, or training materials for data validation or compliance monitoring.
- Experience in project planning and process improvement experience in a multi-stakeholder environment.
- Experience with federal guidance such as Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs), Training and Employment Notices (TENs), and WIOA statutes.
- Ability to foster collaboration across diverse groups and ensure consistent application of compliance standards
- Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
- Criminal Background Check
- Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Driver's License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Application Details 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 .
Connect 700 Program 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 Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us .
Veterans To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees - Please apply via Self Service.
If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Allex Roberge at Allex.Roberge@state.mn.us
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.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift,