Working Title: Employee and Labor Relations Director
Job Class: Human Resources Director 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 91802
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 : 02/05/2026
Closing Date : 02/18/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Employment and Economic Development Department-Confidential
Division/Unit : Human Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 5-10% of the time
Salary Range: $41.98 - $60.24 / hourly; $87,654 - $125,781 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
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.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking an Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Director to lead our ELR function and drive strategies that foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing work environment.
In this role you will:
Develop and lead the ELR team, providing coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities while ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery
Partner with the Deputy Human Resources (HR) Director to advance the competencies and skills of the ELR function, aligning with DEED's strategic priorities and workforce culture goals, and developing tools/training to strengthen the team's ability to navigate complex ELR issues
Serve as a trusted advisor to agency leadership on complex ELR matters, respectful workplace concerns, and investigations
Provide expert guidance on performance management, progressive discipline, investigations, and grievances
Represent DEED in union partnership efforts, collaborating with union partners to resolve issues constructively and ensuring alignment with enterprise labor strategies and fostering positive relationships
Collaborate with HR leadership to integrate ELR insights into agency-wide initiatives that enhance employee experience and advance the organization
This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. 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.
This role requires 5-10% travel as needed for collective bargaining agreement negotiations, training, and other needs across the state.
Minimum Qualifications
To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.
Four (4) years* of advanced Human Resources experience in Employee Relations and Labor Relations.
*Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for six (6) months of experience; bachelor's degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; master's degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; and PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, or project lead
Advanced Employee/Labor Relations skills, sufficient to effectively manage the Employee/Labor Relations team with an emphasis on developing/maintaining a productive, cohesive, and engaged team that provides exemplary service delivery
Ability to mediate disputes, contribute to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, and manage labor partnerships
Ability to lead complex workplace investigations and performance management/progressive discipline, including the ability to write clear, defensible documentation including investigation reports and case summaries
Ability to coach HR professionals on having difficult conversations with stakeholders to convey both favorable and unfavorable decisions respectfully and persuasively, including coaching leaders through complex and sensitive workplace scenarios
Experience in training large and small groups on HR topics, making effective presentations, and persuading others to adopt ideas
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in public-sector Human Resources, including experience with large enterprise systems, laws, rules, procedures, policies, and collective bargaining agreements and plans
Ability to make and guide sound decisions under pressure and in ambiguous situations
Ability to balance legal compliance with organizational culture and values
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive matters
Ability to earn trust across diverse client groups through strategic and transparent consultation; commitment to treating employees inclusively irrespective of cultural differences
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.
