Job Description
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.
DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.
Working Title: Workforce Strategy and Services Manager Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID : 91657
- 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 : 01/24/2026
- Closing Date : 02/13/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial
- Division/Unit : Comm Off/Support Branch / CO Human Resources
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : 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.
Job Summary As the Workforce Strategy and Services Manager, you will service as a key leader within DEED's Human Resources Division, reporting directly to the agency's Director of Human Resources. You will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for core Human Resources (HR) functions including HR operations, workforce planning, HR service delivery, and employee support services.
You will lead agency-wide efforts related to policy governance, workforce planning and analytics, HR technology and systems, and HR projects, ensuring alignment with DEED's strategic priorities and statewide requirements. This role is critical in driving operational readiness, compliance, and continuous improvement across the HR division ensuring consistent and innovative service delivery to the agency.
Working in this role, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for HR operations, workforce planning, HR service delivery, and employee support services.
- Oversee HR systems and technology implementation, optimization, and data management.
- Lead agency-wide workforce analytics and succession planning initiatives.
- Set strategic direction for agency and HR policy governance, ensuring compliance and alignment with statewide requirements.
- Represent DEED in statewide committees, on enterprise projects, and cross-agency initiatives.
- Supervise and develop HR Supervisor(s) and/or lead positions, fostering high-performing teams and operational excellence.
- Drive process improvement and change management efforts to enhance HR service delivery.
- Provide consultation on complex, ambiguous, or high-risk HR operational matters with agency-wide impact.
This position is telework 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.
Qualifications 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 strategic Human Resources experience, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory or managerial capacity, within a complex, multi-level organization, in at least three (3) of the following HR functions: workforce planning and analytics; HR policy governance and compliance; HR systems and technology operations; job classification; compensation analysis; or recruitment and talent management.
This experience must include:
- Providing strategic HR consultation to senior leaders on complex or organization-impacting topics.
- Interpreting and applying federal and state employment laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA).
*Associate's degree in Business Management, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Employment Law, Human Resources, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for six (6) months of experience; bachelors degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; masters degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; and PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following during the interview process:
- Human relations/interpersonal skills sufficient to develop and maintain effective work relationships; and influence and negotiate with internal and external partners sufficient to navigate complex and sensitive conversations with professionalism, respect and confidentiality.
- Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills sufficient to evaluate complex information and agency needs; identify, analyze, and present options; implement effective, data-driven solutions; forecast trends; and make sound decisions.
- Project management skills sufficient to manage cross-HR functional area projects from idea generation and research to implementation and evaluation.
- Communication skills sufficient to effectively respond to questions; develop, explain, and support HR policies and processes; represent the division on agency and statewide workgroups; develop and deliver presentations; and relay complex information to a variety of audiences including senior leadership, bargaining unit representatives, employees, and job seekers.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience working in a Human Resources leadership position within the State of Minnesota enterprise.
- Experience in leading change management or continuous improvement projects.
- Experience implementing HR technology solutions and managing data.
- Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment and generating work product embedded with these ideals.
- Knowledge of state and federal workers' compensation laws and procedures.
- 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:
- Federal Background Check
- Criminal Background Check
- Employment Records Check
- 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.
Application Details How to Apply Connect 700 Program To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us .
Veterans To be considered with Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans : Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees - Please apply via Self Service.
- If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us .
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift,