Talent Acquisition Specialist - Human Resources Specialist 1

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking a Talent Acquisition Specialist to provide professional HR advisory services in recruitment, Connect 700, affirmative action, and screening practices. You will partner with the TA team and hiring managers to maintain an inclusive recruitment program and ensure compliance with laws.

This role conducts compensation analyses, assists with salary determinations, and supports agency recruitment efforts.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years* of technical and/or administrative support-level human resources experience in staffing, compensation, classification, HRIS transactions, or similar field.
• Associates degree in HR, Business, or related field may substitute six (6) months of experience; bachelor’s degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience.
• Applicants must clearly describe experience in the listed minimum qualifications; include beginning and ending month/year for each job.

Responsibilities

• Consult with hiring managers to plan and implement expedient division hiring plans.
• Consult and create recruitment plans to ensure robust and diverse applicant pools.
• Process job postings in the state's HR Information System; ensure postings follow collective bargaining agreements and agency procedures.
• Review resumes and assess applicant qualifications for a position; respond to applicant appeals.
• Advise hiring supervisors to ensure decisions comply with law, CBAs, and plans.
• Conduct compensation analysis and make salary recommendations for new hires and internal moves.

Skills

HR experience

Communication

Customer service

Analytical skills

Education

Associates degree in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS transactions

Word processing

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

Working Title: Talent Acquisition Specialist

Job Class: Human Resources Specialist 1

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 97665
• 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: 10/13/2026
• Closing Date: 10/22/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / Nonrepresented
• Division/Unit: Human Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Nonrepresented
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

The Talent Acquisition (TA) Specialist provides professional human resources (HR) advisory services in the areas of applicant qualifications, selection and recruiting techniques, Connect 700 (C700) program, affirmative action, and screening and hiring tools and processes. This position works closely with the TA team, HR division, and division hiring managers to develop and maintain an inclusive recruiting program and selection practices that keep DEED competitive in the labor market and conform with state and federal employment laws, rules, and administrative procedures and to support DEED’s mission to empower the growth of the MN economy for everyone.

The TA Specialist, working collectively as part of the Talent Acquisition team within the HR division, prepares and approves compensation determinations (based on sub‑delegation), conducts classification audits as needed, and advises hiring managers and staff on topics related to compensation, vacancy filling, recruitment and selection.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with hiring managers to plan and implement expedient division hiring plans.
• Consult and create recruitment plans to ensure robust and diverse applicant pools.
• Process job postings in the state's Human Resources Information System. Ensure that vacancies are posted pursuant to collective bargaining agreement and plan language, and according to all state and agency processes/procedures.
• Review resumes and assess applicant qualifications for a position; evaluate and respond to applicant appeals.
• Consult with hiring supervisors to ensure selection decisions are consistent with law, collective bargaining agreements and plans.
• Conduct compensation analysis, and review and make recommendations for salary for new hires and internal movement by researching and analyzing rate placement for each request, based on established criteria, internal equity, and compensation guidelines.
• Advise supervisors and managers of appropriate salary determinations within collective bargaining agreement language, state law, and agency compensation guidelines.
• Support and contribute to effective recruitment efforts for agency positions.

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 posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

This position will be based out of the St. Paul office.

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.

Two (2) years* of technical and/or administrative support-level human resources experience in one or more of the following areas: staffing, compensation, classification, HRIS transactions, or another closely related field as determined by the agency.

• Associates degree in Human Resources, Business, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Management or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute six (6) months of experience; bachelor’s degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

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

• Experience in communicating complex HR policies and procedures with various stakeholders including supervisors, managers and directors.
• Skill in customer service and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Computer software skills, including experience with word processing, databases, and spreadsheets, sufficient to review and enter data, create documents, and communicate accurate information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem solving skills sufficient to review and interpret employment laws, statutes, rules, administrative procedures, and collective bargaining agreements to ensure consistent and compliant hiring practices.
• Ability to prioritize a comprehensive workload in a fast‑paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
• Analytical skills sufficient to evaluate complex information, conduct compensation research, analyze and document job duties, and make informed recommendations on compensation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of State of Minnesota talent acquisition and staffing practices and procedures.
• Experiences conducting compensation analysis.
• Experience developing and applying assessment and selection criteria, such as minimum and preferred qualifications, and structured interview questions and scored anchors.
• Experience using talent acquisition and selection tools such as LinkedIn, social media, video interviewing, etc.
• Experience with contract interpretation and administration of union/labor contracts related to personnel transactions or vacancy filling.
• Written, and interpersonal communication skills, including making informative presentations and leading professional development sessions.
• 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 ReviewDriver’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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Timothy High at [e-mail]

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)

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.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at [e-mail]. Please indicate what assistance is needed.