Associate Product Manager / Assoc Product Management Spec

Working Title: Associate Product Manager

Job Class: Associate Product Management Specialist

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 96738

• 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: 09/01/2026

• Closing Date: 09/08/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office

• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-DSA Product Mgmt Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required: No

• Salary Range: $34.07 - $50.53 / hourly; $71,138 - $105,506 / annually

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status: Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

The Associate Product Manager assists in the development and maintenance of products that deliver measurable value to customers and stakeholders alike.

Contributing to the end-to-end product development lifecycle, the Associate Product Manager helps to ensure high-quality, timely delivery that aligns with product line objectives and guiding principles — while championing a consistent, intuitive user experience.

Success in this role depends on building strong stakeholder relationships, fostering collaboration, and rallying support across the organization for the product's direction.

The ideal Associate Product Manager models a collaborative, innovative working style — encouraging cross-functional teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning rooted in product management best practices.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating across roles and disciplines to develop solutions that meet user needs and support product goals.

• Setting and pursuing clear priorities that contribute to the product's long-term value.

• Generating user stories, acceptance criteria, and supporting documentation required to translate business needs into product features.

• Researching and validating potential product enhancements.

• Collaborating with Design, Legal, and Policy teams to ensure the product is in-line with all relevant statutes, regulations, and rules while still meeting user and business needs.

• Participating in Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, product demos, and retrospectives to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery.

• Navigating trade-off conversations with technical teams, internal stakeholders, and external partners to reach workable, well-informed solutions.

• Incorporating user research, usability testing, and data analysis into decision-making.

• Communicating product updates and roadmap to stakeholders, leadership, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years of experience in product management, service design, business analysis, program management, or a related field.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of product management practices, such as product lifecycle management, roadmapping, user-centered design, backlog management, and/or iterative delivery.

• Use of Agile, Scrum, or other iterative development methodologies.

• Experience working with Salesforce.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles of human-centered design, continuous improvement, strategic planning, and change management.

• Understanding of relationship management principles to gather product input and keep stakeholders informed of product plans.

• Familiarity with database and database design concepts, data systems, and data governance and management best practices.

• Experience identifying measurable benefit for new features or improvements that align with customer needs and product goals.

• Variety of experience working across a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Human Services that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, including the following components:

• Criminal background check

• Reference check

• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3-business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

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 Todd Diede at todd.diede@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 Carolyn Rice at carolyn.rice@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 Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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.

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.