Program Operations Manager- Employment & Economic Assistance

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-time
HIRING RANGE: $103,284-129,105 (111 Salary Grade)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $103,284-161,381 year
LOCATION: West St. Paul (NSC)
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE:4:30 p.m. on 2/20/2026, First review of applicants on 2/13/2026

County offers rewarding career opportunities that make a real difference in people's lives. From maintaining roads to maintaining property records, protecting the environment to protecting our children's health, finding homes for those in need to finding justice for crime victims -- the work we do touches the lives of each of our residents every day. We're proud of what we do. You can be too. Join our team of nearly 2000 and launch a career where you can truly "Be More."

We offer more than just careers that make a difference; we also offer competitive benefits, work life balance, and convenient work locations. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

The Public Assistance Program Operations Manager provides managerial - leadership for public assistance food, cash and emergency programs and support for the Deputy Director. They interface with technical tools/supports, performance measurement and tracking, and direct reports of supervisors.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field. AND
• 4 years full-time paid experience in human services agency, two which must have been in a supervisory or operations lead capacity.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services Administration or related field

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions

1. Directly supervises/coach/mentor public assistance program supervisors and their teams.
2. Monitor workload balance across section in partnership with co-manager; provide analysis and recommendations for equity.
3. Build and sustain strong relationships with underserved communities, demonstrating a County-wide commitment to advancing cultural diversity and inclusion.
4. Conduct regular financial analysis to support programs and assist with ongoing budget management, development, and refinement.
5. Coordinate and oversee implementation of the county's public assistance policies, programs and contracts, including managing Requests for Board Action (RBAs) to inform the Board, establish authorization or approval.
6. Strategically partner with all department managers, supervisors, other department staff, and community partners to manage and improve processes and outcomes.
7. Partner with Dakota County IT department, contractors, and State Employees to increase technical solutions that improve customer service and staff efficiencies.
8. Assist Deputy Director with developing/implementing strategic financial plans, integrating business strategies with County & State goals. Ensure maximum efficiency for program expenses and revenues.
9. Monitor public assistance related legislative and policy changes in order to identify potential program or fiscal impact and implement appropriate program or policy changes in response.
10. Responsible for quality assurance reports and audits.
11. Analyze outcome and production indicators to identify program performance trends and service needs, providing recommend improvements, and lead improvement efforts.
12. Develop and maintain a service-oriented approach to support the operations of public assistance.
13. Develop and maintain contacts throughout County, Region and State to efficiently/effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position.
14. Oversees development of policies/procedures and updates.
15. Oversees development and updates of internal and public communication resources (e.g. external web page)
16. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, accessible and respectful workplace
17. Provide support for other management team members as needed.
18. Assist and represent Deputy Director of public assistance as assigned/requested.

• Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and co-workers and creates a respectful workplace based on cultural-physical differences and equity
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use Windows-based applications and collaboration platforms, including Webex, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook and OnBase
• Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, County public assistance programs; particularly SNAP, Cash and Emergency programs
• Considerable knowledge of the human services field with a desire of some level of knowledge around corrections, public assistance, public health, social services, and veterans services.
• Considerable knowledge of strategic planning, data collection and analysis
• Demonstrated ability to identify, surface and resolve conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire teamwork, alignment and collective action among diverse collaborators
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to exercise sound decisions within the framework of State, County, Division, and Department guidelines
• Ability to work both independently and with team members
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use good judgment and make decisions.
• Ability to train, coach and supervise subordinates.