Job Details

Working Title: Deputy Commissioner
Job Class: Deputy Commissioner Human Services
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 92119
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/11/2026
• Closing Date: 03/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / DHS Manager
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / DHS Commissioner's Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $64.23 - $91.92 / hourly; $134,112 - $191,928 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment.

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.

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

Job Summary

The Deputy Commissioner role at the Minnesota Department of Human Services is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader who can navigate uncertainty with confidence and bring cohesion to a large, mission-driven organization. Along with general management of the agency, this role guides the Department’s external relations and communications functions, ensuring that policy development, stakeholder engagement, and legislative strategy are aligned and effective across the state.

This position manages and directs the operations of the Department of Human Services external relations so that public policy is developed, priorities are established, and programs are implemented in an integrated manner throughout the agency. Major roles are community relations, legislative relations, county relations, federal relations, and Tribal and urban Indian relations focusing on strategic planning; department-wide objectives; organizational evaluation and change; and support to DHS managers to assure continuous quality improvement and cost effective and equitable state policies and programs.

For executives who know Minnesota’s government landscape and are ready to bring strategic clarity, organizational insight, and collaborative leadership to a complex statewide system, this position offers both challenge and meaningful impact.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a mission-driven, experienced leader who can embrace the vision and values of DHS, with proven abilities to set priorities among multiple competing demands, to establish and nurture a positive, equitable culture focused on collaboration and problem-solving, and to drive change and improvement in large complex systems. This position requires a high level of managerial and human relations skills and abilities. In addition, the successful candidate must have:

• A minimum of five years of health care, government administration, legislative and/or highly related leadership experience required.
• Technical expert knowledge sufficient to plan, organize, direct, implement and explain complex compliance and finance programs and practices. This includes broad knowledge of human service issues, compliance, funding mechanisms, budgets, and roles and authorities of federal, state and local government.
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of public and business administration and the practical uses of strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Have excellent political as well as communications and relations savvy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve differences and to influence the endorsement, acceptance and priority for agency positions and policies.
• Communication skills sufficient to mobilize action to achieve organizational goals, coach and advise other program staff, facilitate meetings, make presentations, negotiate disputes, testify before the legislature, and represent the Department with external stakeholders.
• Additional education, training and experience in areas of public administration, financing and policy, federal and state legislation and regulatory process strongly preferred.
• Ability to identify areas of concern, weaknesses and oversee the implementation of plans that meet identified communications needs to then strengthen agency wide internal and external communication continuity.
• Highly advanced human relation skills sufficient to build networks of colleagues throughout the public sector; to effectively persuade; to deal effectively with complex and oftentimes competing relationships and agendas; to build relationships with key partners, including tribes, counties and community organizations; and to understand, develop, motivate, collaborate and lead others.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, 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.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Daniel Thorp at daniel.thorp@state.mn.us or 651-431-3015.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.