Earlier in the year, we rolled out a plan to make our competitive grantmaking processes more transparent, fast and fair. 

Now we’re searching for a director of Employment and Training Programs who can get behind these processes, work strategically and thoughtfully with state and federal partners, and build a center of excellence in grantmaking that will be central to Minnesota’s workforce development needs. 

We're looking for a proven leader, who knows Minnesota's workforce development, economic development and education policies and programs inside and out.  

The director, who is part of our senior leadership team,  is responsible for day-to-day coordination, implementation and results for a full workforce development program portfolio that includes Adult and Career Pathways Programs, Youth Programs, Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Assistance Programs, and their support programs. 

To effectuate the change we need, you will work closely with and be accountable to a number of partners and constituencies: Program partners, grantees, and service providers; state and local policy makers; philanthropic partners and non-governmental workforce organizations; Minnesota’s K-12 and post-secondary education institutions; and Minnesota businesses and labor.  

On the internal side, you’ll ensure a work environment in St. Paul that embraces continuous improvement, delivers excellent customer service and accountability for results, and promotes high job satisfaction. You’ll also build relationships between workforce development and other divisions within DEED as you support a shared sense of mission and look for opportunities to work across the aisle programmatically. 

This position reports to Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Hamse Warfa. 

If you are interested in applying, check out mn.gov/careers and search for Position #34783. Applications are due by Friday, August 30, 2019. 

If you understand the urgency of reducing disparities, particularly those faced by groups with employment barriers, and have public, private and legislative experience, we would love to have you join our team at DEED!

– Deputy Commissioner Hamse Warfa