Working Title: Deputy Director

Job Class: Agency Affirmative Action Manager

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

Job ID: 94417 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: 06/18/2026 Closing Date: 07/08/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment and Economic Development Department-Managerial Division/Unit: Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, up to 15% of the time Salary Range: $40.86 - $59.07 / hourly; $85,315 - $123,338 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented 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.

The Deputy Director provides strategic and operational leadership to advance the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) efforts and ensure comprehensive Equal Opportunity (EO) compliance across all program areas and Minnesota’s workforce system. This role guides senior leaders and employees at all levels in implementing sustainable DEIA initiatives, maintaining adherence to state and federal laws, and strengthening practices related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AA/EO), and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements.

Serving as a key advisor and backup to the Director, the Deputy Director represents the office in leadership capacities, manages high-priority projects, and oversees staff responsible for digital and language access services. The position leads the agency’s internal complaint process, supports the development of responses to external EO-related charges, and ensures effective monitoring, auditing, policy maintenance, and training delivery.

The Deputy Director collaborates closely with DEIA Committees, Employee Resource Groups, and internal partners to develop and execute the agency’s strategic DEIA priorities, which include sustained inclusive workplace practices, and organization-wide compliance and accessibility.

This position is telework 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.

This position requires occasional overnight and out-of-state travel a few times per year.

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 working in employment law or equal opportunity compliance related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, or Section 188- Nondiscrimination of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with a concentration in employment law, civil rights or human rights law, or administrative or public law, or other closely related focus areas as determined by the agency may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following experience and skills:

Leadership experience guiding an organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) efforts. This includes setting strategy, supervising or managing staff, advising leaders and employees, and supporting employee groups such as DEIA committees or employee resource groups. Experience overseeing compliance processes and influencing decisions related to harassment or discrimination complaints. This includes administering complaint and investigation procedures based on laws or organizational policies. Experience mediating, negotiating, and resolving complaints or requests for accommodations. Experience writing and analyzing information in a legal or policy context, and organizing work across multiple priorities. Experience coordinating and managing compliance activities, meeting competing deadlines, and carrying out program objectives or project plans. Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and adapting communication for different audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Project management certification, or experience leading and managing projects. Knowledge of language-access compliance laws, or experience working with language-access programs. Knowledge of digital-access compliance laws, or experience working with digital-access programs. Experience in alternative dispute resolution or mediation, or training in conflict resolution, de-escalation, or interpersonal conflict styles. Experience using data analytics to guide program decisions, such as updating policies or procedures. Knowledge of Minnesota laws related to affirmative action, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordination, and investigation best practices.

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.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact 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.