Assistant Director, Special Compensation Fund/State Program Administrator Manager Senior

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY invites applications for the Assistant Director, Special Compensation Fund in St. Paul. This role leads the SCF within the Workers’ Compensation Division, overseeing regulatory duties and program administration to ensure funding and proper benefits.

Telework is possible, with primary on-site duties at the St. Paul location. Preferred candidates will have supervisory experience, strong budgeting skills, and deep knowledge of Minnesota workers’

Qualifications

• Four (4) years supervisory or management experience directing the work of staff within a Workers' Compensation program.
• Fiscal and budget management to administer a multi-million-dollar biennial budget.
• Knowledge of Minnesota workers’ compensation statutes, procedures, rules and practices.
• Strong human relations and conflict resolution skills to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent presentations, facilitation, and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds and make sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with leading and directing Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation Division’s Special Compensation Fund (SCF).
• Help manage policy development and implementation to ensure funding for workers' compensation programs.
• Ensure uninsured employers and employers carry workers' compensation insurance and benefits for injured workers.
• Represent SCF in workers’ compensation claims and related litigation.
• Oversee annual claims for reimbursement related to supplementary benefit and second-injury programs.
• Assist in developing agency policies, procedures and strategic plans.

Skills

Supervisory/Management Experience

Budget Management

Public Administration

Communication & Public Speaking

Policy Development

Education

Master’s Degree substitute for experience

Bachelor’s Degree substitute for experience

Job description

Working Title: Assistant Director, Special Compensation Fund

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

• Job ID: 96526
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/25/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Special Compensation Fund
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Assistant Director, Special Compensation Fund

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Job ID: 96526
• 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: 08/25/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Special Compensation Fund
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / 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.

This position will:

• Assist with leading and directing Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation Division’s Special Compensation Fund (SCF) in the performance of its regulatory and other duties.
• Assist with the management and administration of policy development and implementation of the programs that ensure the assessment and collection of funds necessary to support workers' compensation programs.
• Ensure that injured workers with uninsured employers receive appropriate workers’ compensation benefits and employers carry workers' compensation insurance.
• Represent the SCF’s interests as a participant in the workers’ compensation claims process and as a party in litigation involving the SCF.
• Oversee the administration, auditing and payment of annual claims for reimbursement related to supplementary benefit and second-injury programs.
• Assist the Commissioner’s Office in developing and implementing strategic plans and realizing the mission of the agency.
• Acquire, allocate and set priorities for fiscal, information and human resources.
• Participate in developing agency policies and procedures, program development activities and promulgating rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years supervisory or management experience* directing the work of assigned staff within a Workers' Compensation program.
• Supervisory or management, or leadership experience must demonstrate the following:
• Fiscal and budget management, sufficient to manage and appropriate a multi-million-dollar biennial budget.
• Knowledge of Minnesota workers’ compensation statutes, procedures, rules and practices sufficient to provide expert technical assistance to staff and advise senior management on workers’ compensation issues.
• Human relation and conflict resolution skills to establish and sustain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, staff, legislators, and others sufficient to ensure that the needs and operations of DLI are understood.
• Skill and experience in effective presentations, group facilitation and public speaking.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment in a timely manner.
• A Master’s Degree in business, public administration, public policy, business law or related discipline will substitute for 18 months of experience. A Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, business law or related discipline will substitute for 1 year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with regulatory enforcement.
• Experience with workers' compensation claims management.
• Experience with annual claims for reimbursement.
• Experience with the assessment process under Minn. Stat.
• 176.129.
• An understanding workers’ compensation insurance metrics, such as rates and designated statistical reporting pure premium.
• Familiarity with the Minnesota Administrative Procedure Act and Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.
• Familiarity with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

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, Driver’s License Check, Criminal History Check, Education/License Verification.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Caren Miller at [e-mail] or 651-284-5119.

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 Caren Miller at [e-mail].

About Labor & Industry Dept

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. 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 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.