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: 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.

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.

Qualifications

Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five Recently Separated Veterans, who apply and meet the qualifications for the vacancy, must be granted an interview. To be considered a Recently Separated Veteran, you must meet all the following criteria:

- Have separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States;

- Have served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more or for the full period ordered to active duty OR have separated by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty;

- Be a United States citizen or resident alien;

- Have served in active military service at any time on or after September 11, 2001, as shown on your form DD-214.

To be considered under this legislation, you must meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting; meet all of the above RSV criteria; and submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [email protected].

Effective August 1, 2012, Legislation Provides State Agencies With The Option To Appoint Certain Disabled Veterans On a Non-competitive Basis If You Meet All Of The Following Criteria

- Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.

- Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.

- Meet all of the Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.

To be considered under this legislation you must submit all documentation by the closing date via mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Karjala 443 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155, or [email protected], or fax (phone hidden).

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jenny Karjala at [email protected] or (phone hidden).

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 Jenny Karjala at [email protected].

About Labor & Industry Dept The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and secure. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.

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)

- Support to help you reach your career goals: Leadership information - Leadership Hub

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

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