Equal Opportunity and Access Division (EOAD) Deputy Director - Human Services Supervisor 3

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services seeks a Deputy Director for the Equal Opportunity and Access Division (EOAD) to lead efforts in equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity across DHS programs and services.

This executive role manages investigations, directs development and monitoring of compliance with EEO/AA laws, and guides training and policy development to ensure fair employment and service delivery statewide.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience: include supervisor, lead worker, team lead, or project lead roles.
• Completion of a State leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4).
• Experience leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) with substantial time commitment.
• Four years of experience on equal opportunity and access requirements (EEO/AA).
• Knowledge of EEO/AA laws, rules, and regulations including MHRA, ADA, civil rights laws.

Responsibilities

• Lead DHS efforts in implementing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity in employment.
• Oversee operations of the Equal Opportunity and Access Division to reflect agency commitments in employment and service delivery.
• Direct investigations of unlawful discrimination with internal or external bodies.
• Monitor affirmative action plans and equal opportunity programs for DHS and counties.
• Direct development and training related to complaint handling and anti-discrimination efforts.
• Demonstrate core leadership competencies: Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Organization, Leading Outside, Getting Work Done.

Skills

Leadership experience

Program leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Communication with diverse groups

Education

State leadership program completion

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Equal Opportunity and Access Division (EOAD) Deputy Director

Job Class: Human Services Supervisor 3

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 98372
• 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: 11/12/2026
• Closing Date: 11/25/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Central Office MMA
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / OPR Legal Management Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes (~5%)
• Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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

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.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Manages the Department of Human Services’ efforts in implementing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity and inclusiveness in employment.
• Manage the Equal Opportunity and Access Division’s operations so that DHS’ programs and policies support and reflect the agency’s implementation of equal opportunity and inclusiveness in employment and service delivery.
• Direct the investigation of complaints of unlawful discrimination filed internally or externally (with the Minnesota Human Rights Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Office for Civil Rights) so that DHS employees and applicants for employment receive appropriate treatment regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability or religion.
• Support the DHS Affidative Action Officer in directing the development, administration, approval and monitoring of affirmative action plans and equal opportunity programs for DHS and the Merit Counties, so that the agency and counties are in compliance with State and Federal affirmative action, EEO and civil rights laws and regulations.
• Direct and oversee development, monitoring, and implementation of training and capacity building for investigators and agency hiring managers and supervisors as it pertains to complaint handling, prevention of workplace discrimination and harassment, conflict resolution, and equal access for employment at DHS.
• All DHS Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the five (5) competency themes from the Enterprise-wide Leader Competency Model:
• Leading Self
• Leading Others
• Leading the Organization
• Leading Outside the Organization
• Getting Work Done

Minimum Qualifications

• To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.
• Demonstrated leadership experience: Leadership experience can include: Experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, project lead;
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4);
• A paid/unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee (e.g. ERG) - experience must include: 1+ year of experience identifying issues, goals and strategic actions; 100+ hours per year time commitment
• AND Four (4) years of experience working on equal opportunity and access-related requirements (EEO/AA).
• Experience must also demonstrate: Knowledge and understanding of EEO/AA laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, civil rights requirements, and affirmative action and equal employment opportunity requirements.
• Experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism initiatives.
• Experience in equitably formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, and programs.
• Ability to identify gaps or historical inequities in hiring practices or policies and to develop solutions addressing these issues.
• Experience communicating with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• License to practice law.
• Experience developing an equal opportunity and access-related compliance system.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and ability to analyze data, determine classification of data and provide protection of non-public data.
• Experience working with State and/or Federal government agencies (e.g. Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Minnesota Management and Budget, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Office for Civil Rights).
• Knowledge or experience with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 regarding civil rights coordination and limited English proficiency compliance, protected class discrimination complaints and investigations, ADA (Title I and Title II) accommodation requests, digital accessibility standards, and/or translation services.
• Experience allocating staff and fiscal resources.
• Experience working with diverse points of view and incorporating them both internally and externally when prioritizing initiatives, making decisions, and developing strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate conversations and actions to build consensus even at times where stakeholders may have conflicting interests.
• Experience collaborating and seeking out feedback from subject matter experts and peers when reviewing or planning work.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

• REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Charity Hovre at [e-mail].

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 Alexander Duren at [e-mail].

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or [e-mail] for assistance.