Program Technical Specialist

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

In Community Development, we have set the following goals to guide our work:

• Our division builds competency, takes meaningful actions, and creates the necessary infrastructure to advance racial equity.
• Our division's workplace culture is diverse and inclusive, and empowers employees of color.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Program Technical Specialist is a part of the Division team that supports the Executive Director of the Community Development Division, division staff, the Council's Community Development Committee, and other work groups and committees as needed. This position provides the highest level of administrative support by independently completing complex administrative and technical tasks or actions in support of the daily operations of the Division, including but not limited to serving as a recording secretary for Council committee meetings, scheduling, community engagement events and planning responsibilities, as well as supporting purchases made in the Division. The person in this position will communicate with all levels of employees across the Council and will be expected to provide consistent quality administrative support to the Executive Director and the Division team.

Anticipated Starting Salary Range (DOQ*): $70,117 - $100,000
Full Salary Range: $70,117 - $113,797

• Support the agenda development, content organization, and posting for Committee meetings; record meeting minutes; provide support for public decision making consistent with Roberts Rules of Order; and support the accessibility of meeting materials and web content consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Prepare purchase requisitions and track approval processes for various purchase orders, change orders, amendments, pay requests, invoices, and order procurement/contract administration documents.
• Create procedures for complex or specialized functions and solve unusual problems.
• Coordinate large and complex conferences/meetings/programs. Make complex scheduling arrangements involving multiple parties and conferences under minimum direction. Arrange for special room or equipment needs and/or multiple locations and individuals.
• Schedule meetings, organize travel schedules, read and route incoming correspondence, and prepare responses as required.
• Monitor and track budgets and expenditures.
• Research, compile, and analyze information; prepare statistics; write reports; and prepare presentations for meetings.
• Answer non-routine and/or sensitive inquiries.
• Make travel arrangements for Division staff as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education in Business Administration/Management, Public Administration, Communications, Finance, Accounting, or closely related field AND experience providing complex administrative support to an organization:

• High school diploma/GED with five years of experience
• Associate degree with three years of experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree with one year of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience working for public (e.g., government) officials or executives, including as a clerk/recording secretary for a public decision-making body (e.g. planning commission, city council, etc.).
• Experience managing competing priorities and office needs to ensure deadlines are being met.
• Experience providing significant support for projects, initiatives, and/or community engagement events (e.g. reserving multiple meeting rooms, managing audiovisual needs, planning catering, etc.).
• Experience and demonstrated skills using Microsoft Outlook for extensive calendar management and using and creating ADA-accessible documents in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience procuring goods and services.
• Experience overseeing document retention in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Ability to work for public officials or executives, including managing priorities and supporting needs.
• Ability to assist staff with procurement forms and procedures, professional development forms and procedures, and conference registrations.
• Knowledge of Council policies and procedures for supporting the Council's committees and supporting purchases for the Division.
• Knowledge of systems such as scheduling, word processing, electronic filing, training, and travel.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite software applications (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.) and other software applications for managing Council Member and leadership staff needs.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to identify and effectively communicate complex issues/problems with public officials, senior and/or executive leaders.
• Ability to independently determine the best solution for identified problems in consultation with appropriate individuals internally.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.