Language Access and Equal Opportunity Coordinator - State Program Administrator Principal

Working Title: Language Access and Equal Opportunity Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 94536
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 06/04/2026.
• Date Posted: 05/29/2026
• Closing Date: 06/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment and Economic Development Department-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 10% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking an individual to join our Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) as a Language Access Coordinator! This position will lead statewide efforts to implement the Language Access Services within DEED and make continuous and systemic improvement to these services in alignment with DEED’s mission, vision, and strategic direction. The Language Access Coordinator will assess, design, implement, and audit a plan intended to eliminate disparities in outcomes for individuals served. This position will also advise senior leadership on resources, tools, implications, strategies, and best practice in providing language access: the strategic planning process, policy development, practice guidelines, and providing expert solution-oriented subject matter consultation.

This is a new position that will add significant value to the agency and expand access across Minnesota's workforce system. This position will support the diversity, equity, inclusion, and access goals of the agency, and will support the Office by fulfilling high-level administrative responsibilities.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, maintaining, and auditing a multi-faceted, system-wide infrastructure to meet language access needs of DEED customers, mobilizing initiatives to support an infrastructure for system change towards equitable service delivery.
• Providing training, resources, and consultation to leadership, managers, supervisors, and staff on proven and innovative methodologies.
• Creating meaningful relationships with partners capable of filling gaps in services and developing partnerships within divisions or program areas across the State of Minnesota to carry out the implementation of language access plan(s).
• Supporting the team in fulfilling EO compliance requirements. This includes contributions to sustain Affirmative Action compliance, developing communication related to EO monitoring, as well as performing administrative responsibilities such as serving as ODEO’s financial liaison.
  
  

This position is telework eligible up to 50% of time. Employees that live more than 50 miles away from their work location may be eligible for more telework. 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 requires occasional travel overnight, out of town, and may include out-of-state travel a few times per year for professional development and learning opportunities.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

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. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Three (3) years* of cultural and linguistic experience working in language access policy, and/or administration of a program targeting Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations, and/or translation/interpretation services.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, linguistics, sociology, public administration, public policy, community engagement or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience
  
  

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

• Knowledge of language access laws and related promising practices.
• Experience developing and implementing language access policies and procedures, to include assessment, training, and consultation.
• Experience working with information systems, platforms, and related technology to improve language access services.
• Experience analyzing issues by gathering relevant information and grasping complexities among issues.
• Human relations skills to communicate clearly and professionally with a variety of individuals/groups, in-person and in writing.
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Qualified candidates for this position must have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill in communicating in a secondary language.
• Knowledge in project management.
• Experience in the legal field and/or government employment.
• Experience working on equity-focused initiatives with a focus on community engagement.
• Experience managing contracts and related financial processes.
  
  

Additional Requirements

A 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.

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.

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview.

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

Current State Employees

• Please apply via Self Service.
• If eligible for bidding or expression of interest: This vacancy will be open for bids/expression of interest and all qualified applicants simultaneously. Current employees of DEED who are currently in the same classification, who are eligible, and apply within the seven (7) day period will be considered prior to filling the position by other means.
  
  

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us.

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
• 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.

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 Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.