Labor Relations Director - Human Resources Director

Job Details

• Working Title:
  
  Employee and Labor Relations Director
• Job Class:
  Human Resources Director 1
• Agency:
  Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Job
• 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

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.

• 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.

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.
• A…