Job Details Job Class: Unemployment Insurance Director Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development - Job ID: 98215
- 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: 11/12/2026
- Closing Date: 12/02/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial
- Division/Unit: Unemployment Insurance
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: May require occasional travel to meetings, or to visit teams around the state.
- Salary Range: $53.66 - $76.98 / hourly; $112,042 - $160,734 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial / Unrepresented
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
Job Summary The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking a proven, results-driven leader for the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. When layoffs occur, UI is the part of state government many Minnesotans depend on first. It is one of the largest benefit programs and tax authorities in Minnesota, paying benefits to 100,000 - 300,000 Minnesotans a year, collecting over $1 billion in annual taxes from 130,000 employers, and employing over 300 staff statewide. The Director leads a team of senior program leaders, setting program strategy, goals, and performance standards to ensure the program complies with federal and state law, meets or exceeds federal performance measures, and remains among the top programs nationally. The Director also leads the ongoing modernization of UI systems and business processes. The Director represents the UI program to DEED and administration leadership, the Minnesota Legislature, the U.S. Department of Labor, and labor, business, and advocacy groups.
The UI Division Director's key responsibilities include: - Providing statewide leadership and direction regarding the mission and vision of the Unemployment Insurance program
- Leading modernization of UI systems, business processes, and customer experience through product management and business redesign
- Directing the UI Customer Service Center and the program's appeals and legal functions
- Setting and enforcing standards for customer service, timeliness, accuracy, and quality
- Ensuring compliance with federal and state law, regulations, and policy
- Hiring, coaching, and developing a team of senior program directors
- Directing UI finance, Trust Fund stewardship, policy, and program performance
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.
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 senior leadership experience directing a large operational program or organization, including supervising managers or directors.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit a cover letter summarizing your experience in the areas listed below:
- Leadership: Experience building and leading a team of senior managers and holding them accountable for measurable results.
- Modernization: Experience leading the modernization of systems and business processes, including product-based or iterative delivery, vendor management, and measurable improvements to customer experience.
- Performance: Experience using data and performance measures to manage high-volume operations and drive improvement.
- Communications and Human Relations: Experience engaging and collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders including legislators, employers, labor organizations, advocates, and the public to inform organizational strategies and decisions.
- Fiscal: Experience managing the budget of a large division or organization.
- Public Policy: Knowledge of state and federal laws and legislative processes, and experience shaping public policy.
Preferred Qualifications - Management or advanced supervisory experience in UI or other major state or federal benefits programs or tax administration.
- Legislative policy experience presenting at hearings, following up on lawmaker inquiries, and presenting at high-level meetings with elected officials.
- Ability to speak to a variety of audiences about complex topics.
- Experience leading an organization through significant changes.
- 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 Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the requirements for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.
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 Nellie Saunders at nellie.saunders@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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