Training and Communications Manager - Employment and Economic Development Specia

Training and Communications Manager - Employment and Economic Development Specialist Program Manager

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: Training and Communications Manager

Job Class: Employment and Economic Development Special Program Manager

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

Job ID : 95133

Location : St. Paul

Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Limited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 07/03/2026

Closing Date : 07/24/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial

Division/Unit : Unemployment Insurance

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : No

Salary Range : $40.86 - $59.07 / hourly; $85,315 - $123,338 / annually

Classified Status : Unclassified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrepresented

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
Position Purpose:

The Training and Communications Manager will direct and manage the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program training and communications teams. This position ensures that stakeholders, customers, and staff have a clear understanding of the UI Program's purpose, operations, and outcomes. The Training and Communications Manager is also responsible for continuously improving the online experience of applicants, employers, employer agents, and staff by applying industry best practices to strengthen the program's online presence.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that support organizational goals and priorities, including managing content on ui.mn.gov, overseeing the production of publications and correspondence, and ensuring all communications meet state and federal accessibility requirements.

Develop and implement comprehensive employee development strategies that support organizational goals and priorities, including directing training program design and delivery, managing onboarding, overseeing learning management systems, and leading long-term workforce development and succession planning efforts.

Direct, manage, and coordinate contracts with external vendors and interagency agreements with other state agencies, including managing vendor selection, work breakdown, deliverables, invoicing, and risk.

Exercise supervisory authority so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and staff effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual objectives of the section.

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

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 is a temporary unclassified appointment anticipated to last up to one (1) year.

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.

Four (4) years of supervisory or team lead experience in an Unemployment Insurance program or other eligibility-based public assistance program.

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

Experience working in a large call center environment ensuring goals are achieved and deadlines and/or milestones are met.

Experience developing and delivering new hire orientation training as well as on-the-job training in a fast-paced operational setting.

Ability to translate complex policy, regulatory, or procedural content into clear, accessible materials for staff and customers.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with governing laws and regulations, procedures, and system tools of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program.

Experience developing or maintaining training curricula, job aids, and reference materials related to Unemployment Insurance laws, policies, procedures, and system workflows.

Experience coordinating training or communications efforts in response to policy changes, system enhancements, or legislative updates within the Unemployment Insurance context.

Ability to understand and apply the Unemployment Insurance business model.

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.

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.

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

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.

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