Item Description:
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Establish the unclassified position of Director of Grants Management & Administration and approve the appointment of Jennifer Yang as the Director, effective 11/01/23
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners establishes the unclassified position of Director of Grants Management and Administration, effective November 1, 2023; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 383B.102(c)(3), the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approves the appointment of Jennifer Yang as the Director of Grants Management and Administration, effective November 1, 2023.
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Background:
Under Minn. Stat. § 383B.102(c)(3) and the County’s policy on Open and Unclassified Service Appointments, the county board approves appointments of personnel in the unclassified service.
The establishment of the Director of Grants Management & Administration position underscores this critical role in supporting and leading the strategic direction, operational accountability and budgetary responsibility for Hennepin County’s grant management and administration. This position will report to the County Administrator. Key responsibilities for this role will include:
• directing the planning and coordination of county wide grant development opportunities
• establishing and directing the implementation of policies and procedures related to grant management and administration
• providing information, consultation and advice county wide regarding the administration, implementation, managing and reporting of grants
• directing the development of the county’s annual grants project plan
• acting as a liaison between state and federal grant offices on behalf of the county
• preparing and presenting reports for internal and external community stakeholders
• managing budget preparation
• ensuring that data and continuous improvement drive the department's work and achieve results
• advising County Administration, elected officials and others on policies, programs, best practices and issues/resolutions; and
• partnering with other government jurisdictions, commissions, professional and private organizations on department and county initiatives.
The County Administrator is recommending that Jennifer Yang be appointed as the Director of Grants Management & Administration. Ms. Yang brings over 11 eleven years’ experience with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, most recently as the Director of Agency Effectiveness where she directly supported the Deputy Commissioner in the overall administrative and operational responsibilities of a cabinet level state department focusing on the effectiveness of processes, including internal controls. She also provided liaison with agency personnel, Counties, Tribal Nations, Governor’s Office, Human Services stakeholders, and other community organizations. Before this role, she served as the Interim Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Behavioral Health, Housing, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (BHDH) Administration.
Ms. Yang is in the process of attaining a PhD in public administration and management and has a master’s degree in public policy, and a bachelor’s degree in pre-law.
Current Request: The County Administrator requests the board establish the unclassified position of Director of Grants Management & Administration and approve the appointment of Jennifer Yang as the Director, effective 11/01/23.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval