• Own product vision, roadmap, and execution for AI/Agentic platforms • Drive end-to-end product lifecycle from concept to GA release • Define and manage structured product backlog (features, enhancements, dependencies) • Ensure release readiness (engineering, UAT, integration) with high quality standards • Collaborate closely with Engineering, Architecture, and Design teams • Own GTM planning including pricing, packaging, and launch readiness • Build sales enablement assets (pitch decks, demos, solution narratives) • Act as Product Owner for key enterprise engagements • Lead requirement discovery, backlog creation, and delivery alignment • Drive UAT planning, execution, and client sign-offs

Location: MN-Saint Paul Job Description: **Working Title: Early Childhood Administration Product Group Manager / Product Management Director** - Job ID: 93979 - Location: St. Paul - Telework Eligible: Yes - Full/Part Time: Full-Time - Regular/Temporary: Unlimited - Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. - Date Posted: 05/01/2026 - Closing Date: 05/22/2026 - Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DeptChildYth&Fam-Managerial - Division/Unit: DCYF/ Asst Commr Early Childhood - Work Shift: Day Shift - Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Days of Work: Monday - Friday - Travel Required: Yes, occasionally - Salary Range: $45.71 - $65.66 / hourly; $95,442 - $137,098 / annually - Classified Status: Classified - Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep - FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive - Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify. 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 *Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.   **Statewide travel may be required as needed to meet with end users. The Early Childhood Product Group Manager is a senior product and people leader responsible for the supervision and coaching of 5-9 product managers, as well as developing and supporting the strategic direction and delivery of a portfolio of digital products within the Early Childhood Administration at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). In this position, you will have the opportunity to make meaningful positive impact for thousands of families, providers, partner organizations, and other members of the public in Minnesota who engage with the programs and services of the Early Childhood Administration.  This role will be instrumental in moving the early childhood administration at DCYF toward forming a multidisciplinary digital services product organization—including product management, UX/UI design, content strategy, instructional design, and change management—to deliver modern, human-centered digital services that improve program integrity, enhance experiences for families and other users of our digital services, and advance equitable access to services for Minnesotans.  The Product Group Manager is accountable for end-to-end product ownership, aligning product strategy, user experience, and adoption efforts across the full lifecycle—from discovery through delivery, adoption, and long-term sustainment. This includes establishing aligned product group vision and roadmaps in partnership with the product managers in the group, embedding human-centered design practices, and driving data-informed decision-making to ensure products deliver measurable outcomes.  Operating in a complex, highly regulated environment, this role requires strong leadership in cross-functional team coordination and development, stakeholder alignment, and systems thinking. The Product Group Manager translates policy, operational, and user needs into clear product direction, ensuring cohesive, accessible, and effective digital experiences at scale.  This position plays a critical role in advancing DCYF digital transformation by integrating product, design, and adoption strategies into a unified model that delivers meaningful impact for Minnesotans.  Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated leadership experience* *Leadership experience can include: - Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead; - Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4); - A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include: AND Five years of experience with at least two (2) years of product leadership expertise leading cross-functional product management teams AND three (3) years of experience doing product-related work. Experience must demonstrate the following: - People-leadership experience that demonstrates the ability to support and coach individuals. - Demonstrated ability to translate product strategy into execution artifacts such as roadmaps, plans, communications. - Proven ability to connect product strategy, user experience design, and adoption and change management. - Experience overseeing end-to-end product lifecycle delivering end-to-end user experiences, not just technical features. - Experience overseeing quality assurance of product deliverables to identify and mitigate product and delivery risks. - Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including influencing without authority and managing up. - Communication and storytelling skills to align teams, executives, and external partners. Preferred Qualifications - Experience leading design-forward product organizations. - Experience integrating UX design, content strategy, and training into product delivery. - Experience owning product strategy and delivery across multiple products or platforms. - Experience with service design or end-to-end journey mapping. - Experience in the public sector or in supporting public sector clients. - Experience with legislative processes including development of budget and policy proposals, fiscal notes, and talking points. - Experience supporting diverse populations, including accessibility and language. - Experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. - Experience managing vendors or external partners. Additional Requirements It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components: - Reference check - Criminal Background check - Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS) - Driver’s License Check - Personnel File Review: all current and former public sector employees - Additional assessment may be required during the interview process 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 http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about the position, contact Bharti Wahi at Bharti.Wahi@state.mn.us.   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 Anny Xiong at anny.xiong@state.mn.us. If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DCYF ADA at ada.dcyf@state.mn.us. About Children Youth & Families Dept  Our state depends on the success of Minnesota children, youth and families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families put children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.  This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices. 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 - Tuition reimbursement  - 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.

• Lead your Product Trio to define the core problem, the user and the 'why.' • Use insights to build a sequenced roadmap that solves real business needs. • Run structured interviews with pilot customers to validate pain points and secure commitment. • Ensure every interaction drives adoption forward. • Collaborate with Design and Engineering to build an intuitive and functional product. • Define and hit the metrics that signal product-market fit. • Prioritize work delivering these outcomes while protecting the team from distractions. • Embrace AI-powered product development.

• Go deep with paying customers, admins, and end users to deeply understand their needs, workflows, and friction points. • Prototype fast. • Use AI as a daily multiplier. • Write clear specs and make hard tradeoffs. • Measure whether it worked. • Drive alignment across Free-to-Paid, Pricing & Packaging, Sales, Support, and other partners.