Office of Community Finance Executive Director - State Program Administrator Manager Principal

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 69,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota is seeking an Executive Director in the Department of Employment and Economic Development. You will manage grant programs serving Minnesota communities and oversee state and federal programs, reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Research at DEED.

This is a full-time, executive role with telework options where feasible. The position requires extensive leadership in community finance, strong analytical and presentation skills, and ability to build

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressive leadership in community development and finance or a related field with at least three years in roles with responsibility for complex financial tools and management.
• Experience leading teams or organizations and in program administration and reporting.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships and to deliver presentations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operation of grant programs serving businesses and communities across Minnesota.
• Oversee state and federal programs along with various appropriations for community projects.
• Ensure strong internal and external relationships with stakeholders and advocate for community finance programs.
• Report to the Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Research at DEED.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or advanced in accounting, finance, business administration or other closely related field

Job description

Working Title: Office of Community Finance Executive Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 98012

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework.

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 11/04/2026

• Closing Date : 11/25/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development - Managerial

• Division/Unit : Business and Community Development Finance

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8;00AM to 4:30PM

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 10% of the time

• Salary Range: $50.04 - $71.75 / hourly; $104,483 - $149,814 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager / Unrepresented

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

As the Executive Director, you’ll manage the operation of grant programs that serve businesses and communities across Minnesota. As a public-facing leader at the agency, you’ll be responsible for state and federal programs along with various appropriations for community projects. You’ll ensure excellent internal and external working relationships with stakeholders while being an advocate for community finance programs to facilitate community vitality and tax base growth. This position reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development and Research at DEED.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This position requires occasional National and monthly Statewide travel.

Minimum Qualifications

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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Five (5) years of progressive leadership in community development and finance or a related field, including a minimum of three (3) years of experience in a position(s) with responsibility for:

• Complex financial tools and management

• Leading teams or organizations

• Program administration and reporting and

• Enhancing and developing partnerships

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

• Analytic, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to deliver public presentations

• Effective communication skills

• Human relations skills sufficient to perform supervisory duties and effectively develop and maintain relationships with a diverse client set

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or advanced in accounting, finance, business administration or other closely related field as determined by the agency

• Certified Economic Developer (CECD) or Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP) Certificate or equivalent fields of study in economic and community development finance

• Experience with or leadership of economic and community development finance programs

• Familiarity with State Capital Investment projects, Federal programs and compliance with Housing and Urban Development and Environmental Protection Agency

• Experience with Minnesota Government programs, budgeting, process and compliance along with the Minnesota legislature and legislative process

• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check

• Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)

• Employment Reference Check

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Driver’s License and Records Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.