Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development · 1 day ago
Employee and Labor Relations Director - Human Resources Director 1
St Paul, MN
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$41.98/hr - $60.24/hr
4+ years expThe Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is seeking an Employee and Labor Relations Director to lead their ELR function and drive strategies that foster an inclusive and high-performing work environment. In this role, you will develop and lead the ELR team, serve as a trusted advisor to agency leadership, and collaborate with union partners to resolve issues constructively.
Government Administration
No H1B
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Ability to coach HR professionals on having difficult conversations with stakeholders to convey both favorable and unfavorable decisions respectfully and persuasively, including coaching leaders through complex and sensitive workplace scenarios
Experience in training large and small groups on HR topics, making effective presentations, and persuading others to adopt ideas
Preferred
Experience working in public-sector Human Resources, including experience with large enterprise systems, laws, rules, procedures, policies, and collective bargaining agreements and plans
Ability to make and guide sound decisions under pressure and in ambiguous situations
Ability to balance legal compliance with organizational culture and values
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive matters
Ability to earn trust across diverse client groups through strategic and transparent consultation; commitment to treating employees inclusively irrespective of cultural differences
Benefits
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
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
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
Company
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Abdullahi Mohamed
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Frosch
Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2025-11-27
Morningstar.com
2025-10-20
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