Working Title: Deputy Director Job Class: Agency Affirmative Action Manager Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 95958

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: 08/05/2026

Closing Date: 08/25/2026

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: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / 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).

AND Experience leading an organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) efforts. This may include include setting strategy, supervising or managing staff with DEIA responsibilities, advising leaders and employees, and/or supporting employee groups such as DEIA committees or employee resource groups.

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: Ability to oversee complaint handling procedures, demonstrated by experience 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 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.

Experience supervising or managing employees.

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.

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 Perks 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 diverse 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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] 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 [email protected]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

📌 Deputy Director - Agency Affirmative Action Manager (Saint-Paul Parish)
🏢 Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
📍 Saint-Paul Parish