The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.
DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.
Working Title: Director of Childcare Community Partnerships Job Class: Business and Community Development Director Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 84750Location: St. PaulTelework Eligible: Yes, this position is eligible to telework up to four (4) days per weekFull/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted: 03/20/2025Closing Date: 04/10/2025Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment & Economic Development Department - ManagerialDivision/Unit: Economic Development & Research - Office of Small Business and InnovationWork Shift/Work Hours: DayShift, 8:00am to 4:30pmDays of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: Yes, up to 50% of the timeSalary Range: $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annuallyClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/UnrepresentedFLSA 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.
Job Summary
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to lead the Office of Child Care Community Partnerships. The main goal of this office is to work with private entities, regional, state, and local government agencies, as well as the Governor's Children's Cabinet to implement large-scale, multifaceted state childcare economic and workforce development initiatives. Additionally, the position will provide leadership to employers, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen the infrastructure supporting childcare by maximizing their existing community relationships and structures, such as small business support, economic development grants, and labor data. They will ensure that every touchpoint where communities interact with the state government on childcare-related issues is met with expertise and working knowledge of the objectives, nuances, and critical components of the childcare effort for optimal outcomes.
Key Responsibilities: Coordinate with private entities, regional, state and local government agencies, and the governor's Children's Cabinet to implement large scale, multifaceted state childcare economic and workforce development initiative, including a variety of community grant making programs. Provide leadership to employers, businesses and community organizations to strengthen the infrastructure to support childcare by maximizing their existing community relationship and structures like small business supports economic development grants and labor data. Ensure every touchpoint where communities connect with the state government on childcare related issues, is met with expertise and working knowledge of the objectives, nuances, and critical components of the childcare effort for optimal outcomes. Supervise professional staff who provide technical assistance and administer grants to partners to carry out their duties on behalf of the state. Ensure that government resources are maximized in supporting the childcare industry by coordinating with other business units and state agencies. Provide strong overall management and direction to staff assigned to the Office's programs and support initiatives and special projects posted by the legislature or department leadership. This position will be based out of the St. Paul office.
This position requires regular statewide and national travel as needed.
This position is telework eligible and is occasionally required to be on-site at the office. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment and may telework from anywhere in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
Qualifications
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 experience in strategic planning and program management, running programs and executing large-scale program development, working across multiple partners.
*Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Organizational Development, Educational Policy and leadership, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience; PhD substitutes for twenty-four (24) months of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: Experience developing, planning, coordinating, and implementing goals and objectives for novel, complex programs and initiatives with statewide or regional impacts.Skills in communication and human relations with a broad understanding of Minnesota childcare service providers and support organizations. Experience in planning, directing, and evaluating the activities of a multi-disciplinary staff. Experience in developing and managing budgets. Experience analyzing and drafting solutions to problems that may arise. Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of the childcare industry, related regulations and subsidy programs, not limited to direct care.Experience in full-cycle grant management as a grantor and/or as a grantee. Knowledge of available childcare capacity support at the federal, state, and local levels. Knowledge of small business technical assistance service delivery programs. Knowledge of childcare provider support services offered across the state by various partners. 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 Record Review (current and former State employees only) Employment Reference Check Conflict of Interest Review Driver's Record 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.
Application Details
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 . 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 .
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 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. If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means. Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Lynda Zigah at .
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities 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 IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-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 developmentFederal 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 performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily 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 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
