Working Title: Deputy Director of Communications and Interoperability - State Prog Admin Manager Prin
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal
Agency: Public Safety Dept
Job ID : 89005
Location : Blaine
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/23/2025
Closing Date : 10/13/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-Managerial
Division/Unit : Homeland Security & Emer Mgmt / Homeland Security & Emer Mgmt
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
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.
**Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division. To view the State of Minnesota telework policy, visit https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is launching a new executive-level leadership position to expand and elevate statewide interoperable communications operations. As the Deputy Director of Communications and Interoperability, this role will provide strategic direction and expert leadership to ensure effective, integrated emergency communications across Minnesota.
This position exists to provide executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and program direction for statewide interoperable communications initiatives. As a member of Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's senior leadership team, the Deputy Director of Communications and Interoperability leads the state's interoperable communications efforts and is the state's subject matter expert, advisor, and key contact to various groups, both internal and external to the department, division, and enterprise, on interoperable communications. Serving as the designated Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC), the Deputy Director of Communications and Interoperability ensures the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP), the state's interoperability strategy, is implemented and regularly updated with guidance and input from stakeholders. The Deputy Director of Communications and Interoperability works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including public, private sector, and volunteer, to provide direction and management to the effort. These "communications" include any technology (e.g., analogue, digital, voice, and data) enabling emergency service providers to communicate among themselves, access/share data and information, as well as tools to effectively issue public alerts, warnings, and notifications.
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.
If you wish to be considered in the selection process, you must provide a cover letter summarizing your experience. Attach your cover letter AND resume to the online application.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience in a government entity or private organization that included program and project management, strategic planning, emergency preparedness planning and response activities. Experience must include the following:
High-level knowledge and understanding of existing and emerging interoperable communications networks and technology.
Extensive knowledge, understanding and use of the National Incident Management (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), and emergency management principals, best practices, and methodologies.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to evaluate program results and to critique the analytical methods and results of other public program professionals.
Knowledge of governmental budgeting and legislative processes sufficient to consolidate multiple program activities and to propose legislative initiatives to meet current and future program needs.
Experience and knowledge to oversee program management support, including staffing, contracting, budgeting, technical resources and other administrative tasks.
Experience developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.
Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Degree Equivalencies
A degree in public safety, public administration, interdisciplinary studies, information systems security, or related field may substitute for experience. An associate degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master's degree may substitute for one and a half (1.5) years of experience; a doctorate degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to be considered further in the selection process, you must provide a cover letter summarizing your experience. Attach your cover letter AND resume to the online application.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in a related discipline from an accredited college or university preferred.
Experience in developing policies, coordinating projects and maintaining governance structures.
Experience in grants coordination, including applications and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting 50 pound items and frequently moving and transporting objects such as heavy tools and heavy file boxes. This job may require positioning self to move to a significant degree across rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.
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 the following components:
Criminal History
Reference check
Credit check
Fingerprints
Driver's license check
Drug screen
Education verification
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.
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.
