Workforce Development Technical Product Owner - State Program Administrator, Manager

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 87,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays per year

Pension plan

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) seeks a Workforce Development Technical Product Owner to lead a cross-functional team and drive a roadmap for digital workforce services. The role collaborates with program and agency leadership on technology decisions and with MN.IT to guide vendors and internal staff.

This exempt executive role directs system specifications, quality control, and training, while shaping stakeholder-driven investment decisions and the agency’s

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in digital transformation or technical project ownership.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of experience; a master’s may substitute for 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional team to design and implement solutions for DEED’s digital workforce services.
• Represent program leadership in technology decisions and in approving configurations, procurements or developed functionality.
• Work with DEED and MN.IT to provide work direction to technical staff and external service providers.
• Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products.
• Prioritize changes and identify shared interests and opportunities for shared investment among stakeholders.
• Manage product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, and interaction with users; contribute to DEED’s long-term technology plan.

Skills

Digital transformation

Technical product ownership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS / economics / political science / business

Tools

Agile methodologies

Job description

Working Title: Workforce Development Technical Product Owner

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 98063
• 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: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 11/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial
• Division/Unit: Comm Off/Support Branch / CO Analysis & Evaluation PPM
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 5% daytime local and regional travel with occasional overnights for conferences
• Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly; $86,819 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
• 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.

DEED serves hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans in need of career support. Whether they are customers at a CareerForce center, users of our Unemployment Insurance system, or a participant in a reskilling program, DEED, and its nonprofit and county partners, offers the programs and tools to help Minnesota work. We seek to improve our systems to make them more functional and easier for our customers to navigate - and this is especially true for our digital presence.

This position exists to direct stakeholder and technical product management activities for several DEED workforce development technology systems. Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality. Work closely with MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to analysts, developers, and external service providers. Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products. Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, and interaction with users. Contribute to the development of DEED's long-term technology plan for workforce development program systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional team, including program and technical leadership, to design and implement innovative solutions to bring DEED closer to, and better serve, our customers. This position will be charged with developing and delivering on a roadmap for DEED's digital workforce services.
• Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality.
• Work closely with program and senior leadership of DEED and MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to technical staff and external service providers.
• Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products.
• Provide prioritization of changes and identifies shared interests and opportunities for shared investment amongst stakeholders.
• Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, interaction with users, and contribute to the development of DEED's long-term technology plan.

We are looking for a passionate advocate for DEED stakeholders and customer base who loves relationship building, consensus creation, and fun.

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 will be based out of the St. Paul office.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

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.

Four (4) years* of experience in the areas of digital transformation or technical project ownership including managing projects involving technology analysts or developers and/or experience in leading, implementing, or managing large information technology systems.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field, as determined by the agency, may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

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

• Experience in project management, involving a complex group of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to conceptualize, design, plan, implement, and meet deadlines, and summarize lessons and next steps
• Ability to lead complex teams of stakeholders and technical experts from conception to completion within timeline and budget parameters
• Ability to manage vendors and navigate and test applications
• Knowledge of tools to provide service to customers digitally and apply knowledge to developing a roadmap for digital services
• Skills in communication and facilitation skills to provide technical information and influence a team to generate desired outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in administration of State of Minnesota programs
• Experience in digital transformation in large institutions
• Ability to apply Agile principles and processes
• Skill in communication to provide clear and precise direction, giving technical presentations, and applying Plain Language principles
• 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.

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.

• 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.