Workforce Development Technical Product Owner - State Program Administrator, Manager

Working Title: Workforce Development Technical Product Owner
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID: 98063
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: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/23/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / Managerial
Division/Unit: Comm Off/Support Branch / CO Analysis & Evaluation PPM
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes, up to 5% daytime local and regional travel with occasional overnights for conferences
Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 / hourly;
$86,819 - $125,488 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/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.
DEED serves hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans in need of career support. Whether they are customers at a CareerForce center, users of our Unemployment Insurance system, or a participant in a reskilling program, DEED, and its nonprofit and county partners, offers the programs and tools to help Minnesota work. We seek to improve our systems to make them more functional and easier for our customers to navigate – and this is especially true for our digital presence.
This position exists to direct stakeholder and technical product management activities for several DEED workforce development technology systems. Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality. Work closely with MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to analysts, developers, and external service providers. Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products. Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, and interaction with users. Contribute to the development of DEED’s long-term technology plan for workforce development program systems.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a cross-functional team, including program and technical leadership, to design and implement innovative solutions to bring DEED closer to, and better serve, our customers. This position will be charged with developing and delivering on a roadmap for DEED’s digital workforce services.
Represent program and agency leadership in technology decisions and approval of configured, procured, or developed functionality.
Work closely with program and senior leadership of DEED and MN.IT at DEED and provide work direction to technical staff and external service providers.
Authorize and manage system specifications, quality control, and training activities for technology products.
Provide prioritization of changes and identifies shared interests and opportunities for shared investment amongst stakeholders.
Manage and implement product communication plans, customer satisfaction measurement, interaction with users, and contribute to the development of DEED’s long-term technology plan.
We are looking for a passionate advocate for DEED stakeholders and customer base who loves relationship building, consensus creation, and fun.
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 position will be based out of the St. Paul office.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Minimum QualificationsPlease 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 experience in the areas of digital transformation or technical project ownership including managing projects involving technology analysts or developers and/or experience in leading, implementing, or managing large information technology systems.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, economics, political science, business, or a closely related field, as determined by the agency, may substitute for one (1) year of experience;
a master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience in project management, involving a complex group of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to conceptualize, design, plan, implement, and meet deadlines, and summarize lessons and next steps
Ability to lead complex teams of stakeholders and technical experts from conception to completion within timeline and budget parameters
Ability to manage vendors and navigate and test applications
Knowledge of tools to provide service to customers digitally and apply knowledge to developing a roadmap for digital services
Skills in communication and facilitation skills to provide technical information and influence a team to generate desired outcomes
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in administration of State of Minnesota programs
Experience in digital transformation in large institutions
Ability to apply Agile principles and processes
Skill in communication to provide clear and precise direction, giving technical presentations, and applying Plain Language principles
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 RequirementsA 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.
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
BenefitsAs 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 variesbased on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 DisabilitiesMinnesota 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 View phone number on ca.hrm.tc or email View email address on ca.hrm.tc 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 View email address on ca.hrm.tc. Please indicate what assistance is needed.
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