Driver Services Assistant Program Director / State Prog Admin Manager

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 50%

Job summary

The Driver Services Assistant Director reports to the DS Director and helps manage DS areas of DVS, including Driver Exams, Driver Compliance, and Credential Issuance. The role will coordinate strategic planning, policy development, and regulatory compliance to support statewide driver services.

Telework up to 50% may be available; a robust understanding of public sector operations and collaboration with partners is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Three years of leadership and supervisory experience managing operational teams.
• Experience interpreting state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Background in regulatory compliance, audit participation, and legislative implementation.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the DS Director in DS program management and strategic planning.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, budgeting, and legislative implementation.
• Elevate to DS Program Director as needed and manage operational aspects.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Coaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Problem solving

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Regulatory interpretation

Change management

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Public sector operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business/Management/Organizational Development or related field

Job description

Driver Services Assistant Program Director / State Prog Admin Manager

Working Title: Driver Services Assistant Program Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: Public Safety Dept

• Job ID: 97044
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/25/2026
• Closing Date: 10/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-Managerial
• Division/Unit: DVS Administrative Services / DVS Management
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range:$41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep

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.

Job Summary

The Driver Services (DS) Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the DS Director in managing the DS areas of DVS and serving in the DS Director’s capacity in their absence. DS is comprised of the following three core program areas.

Driver Exams‑ Operates statewide exam stations for passenger, motorcycle, and commercial driver testing.

Driver Compliance‑ Manages programs that uphold driver safety and legal standards, including investigations, fines, and improvement initiatives.

Credential Issuance‑ Verifies that credential applications meet federal and state requirements, ensuring the integrity of Minnesota’s driver credentials.

This position will support the DS Program Director in all facets of DS program management to include but not limited to strategic planning, operational management, policy development, legislative implementation, regulatory compliance, budget management, and organizational management. The DS Assistant Program Director will be directly responsible for the DS program’s operational management, regulatory compliance, and legislative implementation, and will elevate to the DS Program Director as needed.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify

*Employees may telework up to 50%, depending on the position and the needs of division.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three* (3) years of proven leadership and supervisory experience managing operational teams and direct reports. Experience must include the following:

• Coaching and mentoring supervisors and managers
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills across all organizational levels
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualifications will be further evaluated on the following:

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire employees, delegate tasks effectively, and hold difficult conversations to manage conflict
• Experience interpreting and applying state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Background in regulatory compliance, audit participation, and legislative implementation
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities

*Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Management, Organizational Development, or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic planning experience translating agency goals into tactical plans
• Experience collaborating with MNIT, other state agencies, and external partners
• Advanced analytical skills in policy development, performance tracking, and compliance strategy
• Demonstrated success in process improvement, standardization, and change management initiatives
• Prior experience in public sector operations
• Knowledge of Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services business functions, operations, and systems.
• Supervisory experience in a union or public sector environment.
• Knowledge of industry best practices, trends and emerging technologies
• Experience managing a business systems and operational support workforce

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Driver's license check
• Fingerprint check

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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

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 ForgivenessProgram (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.

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 Stateof 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