Core Operations Director

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Telework options

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry seeks a Core Operations Director to provide executive leadership across budgeting, HR, IT, and DEI initiatives in a large state agency.

You'll guide strategic operations, advise the Commissioner, and oversee resource allocation, policy implementation, and project leadership to improve agency efficiency and accountability. Telework options may apply based on location.

Qualifications

• Experience providing strategic direction to operations at executive level.
• Knowledge of state and federal government operations, legislative processes, and public policy.
• Leadership and staff development experience with ability to supervise and mentor teams.
• Experience communicating with diverse stakeholders and driving inclusive initiatives.
• Proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, allocate, and deploy fiscal and human resources to ensure efficiency and alignment with goals.
• Act on behalf of the Commissioner and represent the Commissioner to the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Provide executive direction for budgeting, communications, HR, DEI, data analytics, technology investments, and special projects.

Skills

Strategic direction

Leadership at executive level

Public sector knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Leadership development programs (ELI/SLI)

Tools

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/18/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Deputy Commissioner
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,988 - $178,795 / 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: Core Operations DirectorJob Class: Core Operations DirectorAgency: Labor & Industry Dept

• Job ID: 96085
• 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: 08/18/2026
• Closing Date: 09/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Labor & Industry Dept / Labor Industry-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Dept of Labor & Industry / Deputy Commissioner
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,988 - $178,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

The Core Operations Director (COD) provides executive direction for key functions of the agencies. These functions include budgeting and fiscal management, communications, human resources management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, research and data analytics, technology investments, and special projects. The COD is responsible for ensuring strategic oversight and the efficient use of technology to support agency operations and foster innovation. In addition, this position advises and counsels the Commissioner regarding agency operations, fiscal matters, and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities include:

• Acquiring, allocating, and deploying fiscal and human resources across the agency to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Act on behalf of the Commissioner when necessary and represent the Commissioner to key stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office staff and the Legislature.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of experience* providing strategic direction to general operations at the managerial or executive level in a public, private, or non-profit organization.

• Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; Bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; Associate’s degree may substitute for six months of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience* sufficient to effectively supervise and direct the work of assigned staff.
• Coaching, mentoring, and/or developing staff while building relationships.
• Leading teams to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, or goal accomplishment.
• Understanding of staff development, supervision, and team building.
• Demonstrated leadership experience may include any of the following:
• Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, OR project lead
• Completion of a State leadership development program, such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI)
• Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization
• A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must also include:
• 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions
• 100+ hours per year time commitment

In addition to the above experience, applicants will be evaluated on and must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:

• Knowledge of state and federal government operations, legislative processes, and public policy.
• Technical knowledge sufficient to plan, organize, direct, implement and explain complex compliance and finance programs and practices.
• Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience understanding and acknowledging the unique contributions of others and ensuring customers and colleagues have opportunities to provide input.
• Experience engaging actively and proactively with diverse communities and perspectives.
• Computer skills in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Language skills other than English (Somali, Spanish, Hmong, Karen or ASL).

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, Criminal History Check, Driver’s License Check, Social Security and Address Verification, Conflict of Interest Review, Education/License Verification.

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.

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.