Working Title: Core Operations Director
Job Class: Core Operations Director
Agency: Labor & Industry Dept
Job ID : 96085
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/18/2026
Closing Date : 09/08/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
Division/Unit : Dept of Labor & Industry / Deputy Commissioner
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,988 - $178,795 / 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.
Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. The primary work location for this position is 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN.
Employees living within 50 miles of the primary work location will be required to work in the office at least 50% of the time each month.
Employees that live in Minnesota and are more than 50 miles from the primary work location may be eligible for more than 50% telework with agency approvals.
Employees may reside outside of the state of Minnesota if they live in a bordering state and are within 50 miles of the primary work location.
The Core Operations Director (COD) provides executive direction for key functions of the agencies. These functions include budgeting and fiscal management, communications, human resources management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, research and data analytics, technology investments, and special projects. The COD is responsible for ensuring strategic oversight and the efficient use of technology to support agency operations and foster innovation. In addition, this position advises and counsels the Commissioner regarding agency operations, fiscal matters, and strategic priorities.
Responsibilities include:
Acquiring, allocating, and deploying fiscal and human resources across the agency to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.
Act on behalf of the Commissioner when necessary and represent the Commissioner to key stakeholders, including the Governor's Office staff and the Legislature.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) or more years of experience* providing strategic direction to general operations at the managerial or executive level in a public, private, or non-profit organization.
*Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.
Demonstrated leadership experience* sufficient to effectively supervise and direct the work of assigned staff.
Coaching, mentoring, and/or developing staff while building relationships.
Leading teams to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, or goal accomplishment.
Understanding of staff development, supervision, and team building.
*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
In addition to the above experience, applicants will be evaluated on and must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
Knowledge of state and federal government operations, legislative processes, and public policy.
Technical knowledge sufficient to plan, organize, direct, implement and explain complex compliance and finance programs and practices.
Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Experience understanding and acknowledging the unique contributions of others and ensuring customers and colleagues have opportunities to provide input.
Experience engaging actively and proactively with diverse communities and perspectives.
Computer skills in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
Language skills other than English (Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Karen or ASL).
Additional Requirements
It is the policy that all final candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Criminal History Check, Driver's License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.
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.
