Chief of Operations - Core Operations Director

Minnesota Management and Budget; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Health insurance

Pension plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts

Job summary

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) seeks a Chief of Operations to provide executive leadership for the agency’s internal operations and serve as a key advisor to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. This role guides fiscal services, HR, legal, administrative services, and DEI initiatives across divisions, shaping agency strategy and ensuring effective operations.

The position emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, with telework options dependent

Qualifications

• Five years of experience leading complex organizational operations in a large environment.
• Experience supervising senior-level managers and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with governance, budgeting, and resource planning across divisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication for executives and diverse audiences.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal operations including fiscal services, HR, legal, administrative services, legislative affairs, operational excellence, and DEIAB.
• Advise the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners on administrative issues and strategic planning.
• Guide long-term planning, major projects, and agency priorities across divisions.
• Oversee operational units to ensure alignment with laws and best practices.
• Set strategic direction and implement organizational changes to improve operations.
• Supervise, coach, and develop leaders and staff for strong performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Analytical thinking

Change management

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration/related field

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/21/2026
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
• Division/Unit: Agency Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,987 - $178,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: Unrepresented - Managerial Plan
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/21/2026
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Management & Budget
• Division/Unit: Agency Operations
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,987 - $178,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: Unrepresented - Managerial Plan
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Chief of Operations

Job Class: Core Operations Director

Agency: Minnesota Management & Budget

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.

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is seeking a Chief of Operations to provide executive leadership for the agency’s internal operations and serve as a key advisor to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners. This role guides and supports critical functions such as fiscal services, human resources, legal, legislative affairs, administrative services, operational excellence, and DEIAB. The position plays a central role in shaping agency strategy, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and ensuring smooth, coordinated operations across divisions. The Chief of Operations works closely with senior leaders to plan for the future, manage complex organizational needs, and advance priorities.

Job duties for this position include:

• Leading MMB’s internal operations, including fiscal services, HR, legal, administrative services, legislative affairs, operational excellence, and DEAIB
• Advising the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners on administrative issues and strategic planning
• Guiding long-term planning, major projects, and agency priorities across divisions
• Overseeing operational units to ensure alignment with agency goals, laws, and effective management practices
• Setting strategic direction and implementing organizational changes to improve operations and service delivery
• Supervising, coaching, and developing leaders and staff to support strong performance and continuous growth
• Supporting agency leadership in defining agency mission, strategies, policies, culture, and operational priorities
• Communicating agency policies and decisions clearly and incorporating feedback from leaders and staff

All MMB Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the six competency themes from the Enterprise-Wide Leader Competency Model:

• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Leading with DEAI
• Getting Work Done

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, 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. Candidates must clearly demonstrate all the following qualifications on their resume. Resume tips are available here.

• Five (5) years of experience leading complex organizational operations in a large, multifaceted environment (such as government, nonprofit, higher education, or corporate settings) where coordination across multiple functions or departments is required

Experience must include:

• Supervising senior-level managers and guiding cross-functional teams through planning, performance management, and organizational change
• Navigating organizational governance, policies, or regulatory frameworks; managing budgets; and overseeing resource planning across divisions or departments
• Leadership skills sufficient to inspire and champion change, navigate ambiguity, collaborate with executive managers, and lead without direct authority
• Analytical and problem-solving skills sufficient to identify organizational challenges, evaluate options using sound judgement, and develop solutions that support effective operations
• Communication and writing skills sufficient to advise executives and convey complex information to a variety of audiences in varying contexts
• Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, organizational leadership, industrial psychology, human resources, labor relations, finance, accounting, law, political science, or communications may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for eighteen months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role that manages several department heads and navigates collaboration across departments
• Experience advising executive leadership on policy development, strategic direction, or enterprise planning beyond one’s own division or department
• Experience developing and implementing organizational processes that move projects forward, achieve strategic goals, and invite thoughtful participation from team members Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and to being an exceptional steward of public resources
• Experience fostering organizational culture initiatives, promoting employee engagement, or supporting efforts that strengthen trust, transparency, and shared accountability across teams
• Knowledge of State of Minnesota practices, policies, and procedures
• Public sector experience (city, county, state, federal, Tribal)

Additional Requirements

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal history check
• Reference check
• Social Security and address verification
• Education verification
• Conflict of interest review
• Other legally or internal policy required checks

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices.

Minnesota Management & Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management & Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jake Pleschourt at [e-mail] or 651-201-2567.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.

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.