Working Title: State Director of Public Service
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 88357
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/21/2025
Closing Date : 09/10/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development - Managerial
Division/Unit : Governor's Workforce Development Board
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 10% of the time
Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial / Unrepresented
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 provides strategic leadership and cross-agency coordination to expand and elevate public service opportunities across Minnesota. Operating under the direction of DEED's Senior Advisor for Strategy & Alignment, the State Director for Public Service will create and lead the new Office of Public Service supporting statewide strategic planning, policy development, and implementation efforts that align with Minnesota's public service, workforce and education goals.
The position drives interagency alignment with the Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), and Serve Minnesota to develop a unified strategy that strengthens pathways into public service. The Director oversees statewide initiatives and grants, proposes legislative and policy changes to improve equity and access, and ensures program alignment with state and federal priorities.
This role is accountable for shaping and executing Minnesota's public service strategy, managing key stakeholder relationships, advising executive leadership, and representing DEED in statewide and select national forums related to service and workforce development.
This position will be based out of the St. Paul office. This position requires occasional overnight and out-of-state travel a few times per year to attend meetings and/or conferences.
This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Four (4) years* of experience in a leadership role overseeing large-scale public programs, strategic initiatives, or cross-sector partnerships, with at least two (2) of those years focused on program integrity, policy implementation, audit/compliance leadership, or systems-level coordination across agencies or organizations.
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).
*Bachelor's degree in public policy, business, finance/accounting, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience leading large-scale operations with a focus on strategic planning, process optimization, and measurable outcomes in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Experience in process design, implementation, and continuous improvement
Experience building trust and collaboration across internal and external stakeholder groups
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Minnesota's workforce development system, including GWDB, DEED, MDE, and/or ServeMinnesota
Experience leading cross-agency or cross-sector initiatives involving workforce development, education, or public service systems
Experience managing complex grant programs, including federal and state funding streams, grant writing, budget oversight, performance reporting, and audit readiness
Experience with policy development and navigating state legislative processes
Knowledge of state procurement laws, policies, and procedures, including contract negotiation, vendor management, and compliance with public sector purchasing regulations
Experience with internal controls, quality assurance, compliance, or program auditing
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
Criminal Background Check
Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver's License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
