Working Title: Chief Strategy Officer
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association
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Job ID: 95686
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/23/2026
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Closing Date: 08/21/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / TRA-Managerial
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Department/Division: TRA Legal and Legislative Dept / TRA Operations
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10%
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Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates that have strong leadership skills and a background in strategic planning to serve as TRA's Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).
Our CSO position exists to provide leadership for the administrative strategic planning, legislative agenda, business continuity, process improvement, member and employer outreach, and data record retention efforts for TRA. The incumbent will develop, maintain, and implement a consistent, integrated administrative strategic management plan, ensuring the successful measurement and completion of strategic initiatives. Lastly, the incumbent is also responsible for improving organizational effectiveness using continuous improvement methodologies, leading and managing enterprise-wide projects to support the administrative strategic plan, and supporting the creation and measurement of TRA-wide performance measures, as well as the implementation of the agency’s data retention and data practices policies and procedures.
This position is located in our Saint Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes in-person work. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.
Five (5) years of progressive work experience in strategic planning initiatives that focus on: legislative affairs, business continuity, process improvement, stakeholder outreach, data governance, and/or records management.
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A Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Emergency Management, Strategic Planning, Organizational Management, or a related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.
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One (1) year of experience managing or supervising multiple teams simultaneously to achieve organizational objectives.
Experience must further demonstrate the following:
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Proven success in a leadership or supervisory capacity to oversee and direct the work of others, achieve organizational goals, and drive performance. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or management of large projects involving others.
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The ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of state and federal public pension laws and regulations, as well as state government data privacy requirements.
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Advanced data research, analytical, and interpretation skills sufficient to evaluate program effectiveness, establish goals and metrics, and lead process improvement initiatives.
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A strong foundation in project and risk management principles, as well as strategic planning methodologies to mitigate organizational risk.
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Excellent organizational skills with the proven ability to successfully lead, manage, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously.
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Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate and consult on complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences, such as Executive Management, the TRA Board of Trustees, etc.
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Strong interpersonal skills to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, as well as handle important matters that require sensitivity with discretion.
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Demonstrated success in budget management, financial oversight, and the implementation of interdepartmental or enterprise-wide projects, policies, and initiatives.
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Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Cisco WebEx, and/or various equivalent software platforms.
Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their transportation for business travel and/or conferences.
A Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree and/or an Advanced Degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public/Business Administration, Organizational Management, Strategic Planning, Continuous Improvement, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years of experience managing or supervising multiple teams simultaneously to achieve organizational objectives
Knowledge of emergency preparedness and contingency planning, including the implementation of state and federal business continuity policies, and the application of FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command Structure (ICS) protocols.
Certified MN Emergency Manager, Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) or FEMA Continuity Professional Level I.
Knowledge of pension and/or retirement plan design, function, and administration.
Knowledge of human resources, labor relations (including managing staff within a unionized environment), health and other benefits, workers' compensation, that affect an employer's emergency and continuity planning.
Experience navigating legislative/governmental affairs, developing organizational communication strategies, and presenting to executive boards.
Knowledge of theories and practices of planning, evaluation, policy analysis, public Administration, and program development.
This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.
** Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **
It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
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Criminal History Check
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Employee Reference Check
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Social Security and Address Verification
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Education Verification
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Driver's License Check
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at [email protected].
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 Justin Johnson at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
