Working Title: Director of Equity and Inclusion

Job Class: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant Senior

Agency: Human Services Dept

Job ID: 94925 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: 06/16/2026 Closing Date: 07/06/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / HHSSA AC Office Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes, (Approximately 25% for meetings) Salary Range: $39.93 - $59.35 / hourly; $83,373 - $123,922 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.

The Purpose Of This Position Is To Provide Leadership And Direction To Directors, Managers, Supervisors And Staff In The Homelessness, Housing, And Support Services Administration. The Position Supports The Administration To Strategically Plan For And Obtain Legislative, Stakeholder, And Organizational Support For Changes In Multiple Public Programs And To Promote Access And More Equitable Outcomes For Minnesotans Who Receive Publicly Funded Services. To Achieve This, The Person In This Position Must

Champion the administration's strategic planning around equity to develop and implement promising goals and strategies. Lead efforts for the administration to understand gaps in social and physical determinants of health between the communities experiencing health disparities and the population receiving services. Work closely with the administration’s leadership, Equity Committee, legislators, and external stakeholders to promote changes in public policy to improve outcomes for cultural and ethnic communities, American Indians, people with disabilities, and other populations experiencing health disparities. Use partnerships with the administration’s leadership, directors, managers, supervisors and legislative directors, to develop, recommend, and champion legislation and legislative budget requests with partners and at the capital. Evaluate the success of the administration's equity agenda and share those results with internal and external partners; and Use performance data to inform future initiatives to further the administration's equity agenda. This position will also be responsible for the administration's internal equity agenda. The incumbent will lead staff and leadership team to assess equity and inclusion awareness/capacity, identify activities to build equity and inclusion, and implement those activities at all levels of the administration.

As a member of the leadership, the Director of Equity and Inclusion work with the leadership to oversee compliance with the DHS Equity Policy, ensuring that equity and inclusion are considered in all administration policies and processes to reduce population health inequities. This position supports the administration's Equity Committee; the group charged with advising the administration's leaders on equity and inclusion issues. * The position supports and advises the equity-related work of the "equity champions," staff members from the administration who promote equity within their work areas as a portion of their professional duties. The position also coordinates closely with the Equity Directors in other administrations, Human Resources, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

This position description reflects the mission of the administration's Equity Committee, which is described in their Charter as "to advise the administration and champion equity work throughout the Administration. Their work will lessen the potential for harm, reduce inequities, and ensure equitable, respectful, quality services for communities that include, but are not limited to, communities of color, American Indians, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and people with disabilities. It will also help build an equitable culture within the Administration so that all staff are treated fairly and with respect.”

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Four (4) years specialized work experience advising and/or providing strategic direction building and/or leading a medium to large organization in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion related programs.

Experience Must Demonstrate

Championing equity, inclusion, and anti-racism by evaluating policies, procedures, and ideas to interrupt systemic racism and provide recommendations for improvement. Knowledge of and experience with contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism theories and issues. Strategic planning, change management and project management. Working with ethnically and culturally diverse communities, American Indian communities, people with disabilities, and other communities that experience health inequities. Influencing/directing goals, objectives, or policy and/or influencing decision makers/policymakers. Experience supporting and advising teams; coordinate training and staff development; meeting facilitation.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of programs and policies related to housing, homelessness, and/or behavioral health. Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures. Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns. Understanding for the role and operation of state government in building the health and human services infrastructure. Facilitator of groups to solicit information, feedback, and areas of development. Must have a strong grasp of overall DHS goals and the DHS Equity Policy and be able to translate those into everyday decisions and actions. Bachelors’ degree or higher in Public Policy, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or similar field.

Additional Requirements

The MinnesotaDepartment of Human Services (DHS) will conduct criminal background checks on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Andrea Simonett at andrea.simonett@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 94925, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us.

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 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_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.