Unemployment Insurance Director

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 (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 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 (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.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 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.

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.