Job Details Working Title: Office of Community Finance Executive Director Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID: 98012
- 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: 11/04/2026
- Closing Date: 11/25/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Managerial
- Division/Unit: Business and Community Development Finance
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8;00AM to 4:30PM
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% of the time
- Salary Range: $50.04 - $71.75 / hourly; $104,483 - $149,814 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager / Unrepresented
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
Job Summary As the Executive Director, you'll manage the operation of grant programs that serve businesses and communities across Minnesota. As a public-facing leader at the agency, you'll be responsible for state and federal programs along with various appropriations for community projects. You'll ensure excellent internal and external working relationships with stakeholders while being an advocate for community finance programs to facilitate community vitality and tax base growth. This position reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Research at DEED.
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 National and monthly Statewide travel.
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. Five (5) years of progressive leadership in community development and finance or a related field, including a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a position(s) with responsibility for:
- Complex financial tools and management
- Leading teams or organizations
- Program administration and reporting and
- Enhancing and developing partnerships
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
- Analytic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to deliver public presentations
- Effective communication skills
- Human relations skills sufficient to perform supervisory duties and effectively develop and maintain relationships with a diverse client set
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or advanced in accounting, finance, business administration or other closely related field as determined by the agency
- Certified Economic Developer (CECD) or Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP) Certificate or equivalent fields of study in economic and community development finance
- Experience with or leadership of economic and community development finance programs
- Familiarity with State Capital Investment projects, Federal programs and compliance with Housing and Urban Development and Environmental Protection Agency
- Experience with Minnesota Government programs, budgeting, process and compliance along with the Minnesota legislature and legislative process
- 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.
Application Details 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.
- 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 Lynda Zigah at lynda.zigah@state.mn.us .
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.
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