Data Practices Officer

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 This position was previously announced from May 20th, 2026 (05/20/2026) through June 18th, 2026 (06/18/2026). If you already applied to this posting, then you do not need to re-apply for consideration. 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 with strong data analysis, data governance, and/or data program management skills to serve as TRA’s Data Practices Officer. Our Data Practices Officer position exists to provide leadership for the data privacy, data practices, records management, and document retention responsibilities of TRA. The position will be responsible for the supervision of TRA Records and Data Management systems, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and recommending revisions when appropriate; and developing the processes used to gather and share data. This role will also enforce compliance with related laws including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, and oversee public data requests. Lastly, the incumbent hired into this position will serve as a resource for managers, supervisors, and employees regarding data maintained by TRA, and will develop and maintain a data practices training program for all employees. 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. Minimum Qualifications Five (5) years of progressive, work experience in Data Management, Data Retention Schedule Creation, or Government Program Compliance working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act or a similar body of law, regulation, or legislation. A Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience. Work experience must demonstrate the following: Experience in a leadership or supervisory role guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or serving as a high-level subject matter expert of a complex program. Experience in developing, documenting, and implementing initiatives, processes, programs or policies. Experience with state and federal data privacy laws and requirements, such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, sufficient to respond to requests for information. Experience working with state records retention laws, such as the Minnesota Records Retention law sufficient to create and/or manage various retention schedules. Ability to research and interpret state and federal public information laws and regulations sufficient to respond to data practices requests, including collecting and analyzing data to determine its proper classification and safeguarding not public data. Strong research and analytical skills in order to navigate complex regulatory requirements. Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills to manage and convey technical information to a variety of audiences and stakeholders, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Cisco WebEx; or equivalent software packages. Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for business travel. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Experience working with Minnesota Records Retention law. Experience successfully managing a budget. Experience conducting workplace investigations related to data privacy violations. An Advanced degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree. Physical Requirements 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. Additional Requirements 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: State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota