Working Title: Special Programs Director

Job Class: Unemployment Insurance Programs Director

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 85520

• 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 : 04/11/2025

• Closing Date : 05/01/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment & Economic Development / Managerial

• Division/Unit : Unemployment Insurance

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, up to 10% of the time

• Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrepresented

• 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.

The individual in this position directs and manages a number of areas within the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, including the Program Performance, Integrity, Reemployment Services, Employer Audits, and Special Programs units.

This incumbent directs and oversees the completion of and compliance with mandated federal reviews and the submission of required federal reports, manages risk to the program by detecting and preventing fraudulent and malicious activity, ensures federal and state requirements are met for employment audits, and oversees the state’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program.

Key to success in this role is the development and execution of comprehensive plans consistent with industry best practices, a deep understanding of the challenges of administering an eligibility program, our capacity to execute successfully and the overall strategic plans of the UI program, and the strategic plans of DEED and state government as a whole.

This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework-2025.pdf) 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.

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.

Five (5) years of experience in all of the following:

• Leading teams in the public sector;

• Managing US Department of Labor (USDOL) UI program performance measurement tools and State Quality Service Plans; AND

• Preparing and submitting USDOL Employment and Training Administration (ETA) reports

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

• Experience building and supporting relationships between partners and agencies and leading teams across multiple locations

• Experience reporting to federal and state agencies on program statuses, reports, and other communications

• Knowledge of and experience with functions, procedures, organization, and governing laws and regulations guiding the activities of the UI program

• Knowledge of and experience with UI program integrity issues sufficient to direct staff in detection and prevention efforts

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field as determined by the agency

• Leadership experience in a UI program

• Experience with Worker Profiling, Reemployment Services, understanding of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), workforce development, and American Job Center funding systems

• Budgeting and cost management experience

• Technical knowledge sufficient to plan, organize, direct, implement, and explain complex programs and practices including conducting internal reviews of these processes and validating results

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:

• 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.

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.