Director of Audit and Compliance - Agency Division Director Senior

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Job Details

Working Title: Director of Audit and Compliance

Job Class: Agency Division Director Senior

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97107

• Location: St. Paul

• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid

• Full/Part Time: Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.

• Date Posted: 09/22/2026

• Closing Date: 10/12/2026

• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

• Division/Unit: Executive Office / Internal Audit & Analytics

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

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time

• Salary Range: $55.68 - $79.79 / hourly; $116,259 - $166,601 / annually

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220- Managerial Plan

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

The work youll 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

Join our mission-driven team at Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your expertise meets our commitment to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans!

This position serves as the MDH executive leader for internal audit and compliance, responsible for planning, directing, and implementing an internal audit program that provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services on complex, high-impact issues across the agency. The Director of Audit and Compliance ensures the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes in accordance with all legal requirements, and in accordance with the IIA Standards, and provides strategic counsel to the Commissioner, executive leadership, and management and staff across the agency.

The Director of Audit and Compliance holds unrestricted access to all records, systems, facilities, and personnel necessary to execute the duties of the internal audit function.

The position will be responsible for:

• Providing expert advice and consultation, facilitate strategic discussions, and lead the development and implementation of the annual audit and risk assessment work plans informed by risk insights, and organizational priorities.

• Directing and overseeing the Internal Audit and Assessments Office by providing agency-wide leadership for the planning, prioritization, execution, and evaluation of complex and sensitive audits and reviews. Establish audit priorities, set methodological expectations, and ensure work is performed objectively, independently, and in accordance with professional standards. Provide strategic guidance to program leadership on risk, internal controls, and operational effectiveness, and recommend cost-effective improvements that strengthen internal controls and reduce the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Represent the office to executive leadership and external oversight entities, safeguarding the agency's accountability and the proper stewardship of public funds.

• Providing expert consultation and leadership on internal control matters to support effective governance, risk management, and compliance across the Department. Provide direction for internal control awareness activities; guide the development, implementation, and documentation of internal control components and principles; and support program areas in strengthening internal controls that safeguard public funds and assets and reduce the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Provide leadership and oversight for the department's audit remediation process to ensure timely, consistent, and effective resolution of internal and external audit findings. Participate in the departmentwide policy and procedure review process to promote consistency, compliance, and strong internal control practices. Sponsor and support projects that enhance internal controls, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen the security of MDH's financial transactions, assets, and protected data.

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for Internal Audit & Assessments staff to ensure a collaborative team capable of delivering professional audit, internal control, advisory, and governance services. Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment; develop staff capabilities in internal audit, internal controls, risk management, and advisory practices; and ensure alignment with agency values, statewide expectations, and professional standards.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota further than 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota withing 30 days of their start dates. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on the job requirement, helping Minnesota access top talent across the state.

Qualifications

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.

Five (5) years of experience in managing audits and demonstrates the following:

• Broad and extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including the pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Broad and extensive of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Governmental Auditing Standards.
• Advanced project management experience to plan, organize, and oversee multiple audits, reviews, and advisory engagements simultaneously.
• Proficiency with audit tools, data systems, and documentation platforms to support efficient, consistent, and high-quality work.

AND

• Demonstrated leadership experience

Demonstrated leadership experience may include any of the following:

• Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, OR project lead*

• Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)

• Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization

• A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG)This experience must also include

• 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions

• 100+ hours per-year time commitment

• A project lead provides leadership, guidance, and advanced specialized technical expertise for a team doing evaluation, development, design, testing, and/or implementation in a project environment. Projects are efforts with defined phases where a combination of organizational resources including a pre-determined budget are pulled together toward a specified objective. These efforts are usually discontinued once the project is completed.

A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: Doctorate may substitute for two (2) years of experience. A masters degree or JD may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. A bachelors degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associates degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.

Qualifications to be further assessed during the interview process:

• Advanced communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal) to convey complex, sensitive, or technical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Advanced facilitation and negotiation skills to lead discussions, build consensus, and support collaborative problem-solving across divisions.
• Relationship-building skills to establish trust, reduce defensiveness, and support a non-punitive, partnership-oriented approach to audit and internal control work.
• Advanced skill in coaching and advisory support to help programs strengthen internal controls and risk management practices.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience working with diverse points of view and incorporating them both internally and externally when prioritizing initiatives, making decisions, and developing strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering training on internal controls, fraud awareness, risk management, and governance.
• Experience with Minnesota state government operations, funding structures, and program administration to better understand the context of audit and internal control issues.
• Experience with grant management, compliance requirements, and federal oversight expectations to support programs with high-risk funding streams.
• Experience with organizational change management and/or knowledge of principles to support adoption of improved controls and governance practices.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

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 this position, contact Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-201-5617.

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 Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.