Working Title: Employee and Labor Relations Director
Job Class: Human Resources Director 1
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
- Job ID: 91802
- 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: 02/05/2026
- Closing Date: 02/18/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment and Economic Development Department-Confidential
- Division/Unit: Human Resources
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, up to 5-10% of the time
- Salary Range: $41.98 - $60.24 / hourly; $87,654 - $125,781 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- 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 Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking an Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) Director to lead our ELR function and drive strategies that foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing work environment.
In this role you will:
- Develop and lead the ELR team, providing coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities while ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery
- Partner with the Deputy Human Resources (HR) Director to advance the competencies and skills of the ELR function, aligning with DEED’s strategic priorities and workforce culture goals, and developing tools/training to strengthen the team’s ability to navigate complex ELR issues
- Serve as a trusted advisor to agency leadership on complex ELR matters, respectful workplace concerns, and investigations
- Provide expert guidance on performance management, progressive discipline, investigations, and grievances
- Represent DEED in union partnership efforts, collaborating with union partners to resolve issues constructively and ensuring alignment with enterprise labor strategies and fostering positive relationships
- Collaborate with HR leadership to integrate ELR insights into agency-wide initiatives that enhance employee experience and advance the organization
This position is telework eligible. Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. 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 role requires 5-10% travel as needed for collective bargaining agreement negotiations, training, and other needs across the state.
Minimum Qualifications
To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.
Four (4) years* of advanced Human Resources experience in Employee Relations and Labor Relations.
- Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for six (6) months of experience; bachelor's degree substitutes for one (1) year of experience; master's degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; and PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
- Experience as a supervisor, team lead, lead worker, or project lead
- Advanced Employee/Labor Relations skills, sufficient to effectively manage the Employee/Labor Relations team with an emphasis on developing/maintaining a productive, cohesive, and engaged team that provides exemplary service delivery
- Ability to mediate disputes, contribute to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, and manage labor partnerships
- Ability to lead complex workplace investigations and performance management/progressive discipline, including the ability to write clear, defensible documentation including investigation reports and case summaries
- Ability to coach HR professionals on having difficult conversations with stakeholders to convey both favorable and unfavorable decisions respectfully and persuasively, including coaching leaders through complex and sensitive workplace scenarios
- Experience in training large and small groups on HR topics, making effective presentations, and persuading others to adopt ideas
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in public-sector Human Resources, including experience with large enterprise systems, laws, rules, procedures, policies, and collective bargaining agreements and plans
- Ability to make and guide sound decisions under pressure and in ambiguous situations
- Ability to balance legal compliance with organizational culture and values
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive matters
- Ability to earn trust across diverse client groups through strategic and transparent consultation; commitment to treating employees inclusively irrespective of cultural differences
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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Connect 700 Program
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 Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.
Veterans
To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.
Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.
Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.
See the above links for criteria and eligibility.
Current State Employees
- Please apply via Self Service.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us.
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 careers@state.mn.us 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 Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.
