MNJIS Director, Criminal History & Biometrics - State Prog Admin Manager

Working Title: MNJIS Director, Criminal History & Biometrics

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager

Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID: 97530
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes - This position is eligible to telework one (1) day per week.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/24/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-Managerial
• Division/Unit: CJIS Crim Justice Info Sys / Minnesota Just InformationSvcs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / 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 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 to telework one (1) day per week.
  
  

The Director, Criminal History and Biometrics, provides management, strategic planning, and leadership for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Minnesota Justice Information Services (MNJIS) Criminal History and Biometrics business services programs. This includes the administration, direction, and supervision of the staff and activities of the BCA Criminal History and Biometrics business services programs, to include the state's criminal history and fingerprint repositories. With general administrative direction from the Deputy Superintendent of MNJIS, this position sets strategic direction and coordination for all areas within the Criminal History and Biometrics business services programs.

This position also plans and carries out organizational changes, manages grant-related activity and funding, represents the BCA Criminal History and Biometrics business programs and provides strategic leadership for criminal history and biometric business services that have statewide and national impacts. As a member of the MNJIS Management Team, this position participates in short-and-long-term planning, including strategic planning and budget development, and MNJIS culture activities. This position is responsible for analyzing and making recommendations on legislative initiatives.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years* of criminal justice work experience with responsibility for (must include all):
• Management experience with responsibility for a unit, program, division or department
• Strategic planning/organizational development responsibilities
• Program management, policy development, and business improvement
• Experience interpreting, communicating, and applying complex state and federal laws to division/program level work
• Experience coaching, mentoring, developing and/or leading staff while building relationships with a diverse client set.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate in a variety of formats to gather and relay information with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate problems and issues at a strategic level and provide creative problem-solving solutions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
• Bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, social sciences, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of supervisory experience
• Master's level or advanced degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration, or related degree from an accredited institution
• Experience interpreting, communicating, and applying state and federal laws related to criminal history, criminal history background checks, data practices, criminal justice processes and terminology related to reading, interpreting, and managing criminal history records
• Familiarity with legal and criminal justice processes and terminology related to reading, interpreting, and managing criminal history records
• Knowledge of and experience implementing FBI CJIS Security Policy requirements
• Experience with state and/or federal grant administration
• Skill in navigating local, state, and federal government systems, including policies and procedures
  
  

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Drug screen
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS)
• SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)
  
  

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Meagan Buchholz at [email protected] or 651-201-7294.

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 Meagan Buchholz at [email protected].

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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
• 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at [email protected] or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.