Strategic Operations Supervisor - Communications Supervisor

Job Details

Working Title: Strategic Operations Supervisor
Job Class: Communications Supervisor
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 90609
• 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 expressions of interest and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 12/12/2025.
• Date Posted: 12/06/2025
• Closing Date: 12/22/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MMA
• Division/Unit: Communications Office / Support Branch
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $41.09 - $59.07 / hourly; $85,795 - $123,338 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association / MMA
• 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.

Job Summary

Position Purpose:

The Strategic Operations Supervisor serves as a high-level strategist for the agency around events for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the incumbent is responsible for oversight of all events for DEED including international tradeshows, conferences, and Governor’s events tied to DEED’s mission. The Strategic Operations Supervisor also provides supervision for the event planners and a project manager who also does internal communications. Additionally, the Strategic Operations Supervisor provides expertise and leadership for the Communication Division around contracting and budgeting as well as leadership on the execution of the Division’s strategic plan. The Strategic Operations Supervisor serves on department-wide teams, some agency-wide committees, and works with leaders across DEED to further the mission, vision, and strategies of the agency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all DEED events, including international and national marketing tradeshows where Minnesota has a booth or pavilion, large scale agency conferences and more. Supervising event and administrative staff while managing workflow and ensuring compliance with state and agency policies and rules.
• Perform high-level communications strategic planning, budgeting and policy-focused duties to support the division director, staff, and the agency.
• Oversee procurement of all signage and give away items for the agency, assuring adherence to DEED brand guidelines and state purchasing policies.
• Assist in special project work as assigned by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners or Communications Director.

This position will be based out of the St. Paul office.

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.

Qualifications

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.

Four (4)* years of experience in communications and/or marketing with at least two (2) of those years supervising a team in meeting related business needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, and Journalism substitutes for one (1) year of experience; Master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

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

• Experience creating, managing and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, including timelines, logistics, and coordination of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience creating, managing and coordinating large scale events including multi-day conferences, international trade show pavilions, high-level senior executive meetings and coordinating operational items, like drayage, protocol, audio-visual (AV) and more.
• Experience with strategic planning and execution, including the ability to build and demonstrate a shared vision to foster strategic thinking, creativity, and innovation.
• Experience working with purchasing, logistics, contracts and vendors; fiscal and compliance teams, legal teams; and senior leadership.
• Experience creating and monitoring budgets.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, Executive Orders, guidelines, policies, and procedures governing appropriate and legal communication requirements (e.g., Plain Language, Data Practices, Data Retention, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience marketing events (writing and messaging for trade show booths, etc.)
• Experience supervising staff three (3) or more years.
• Experience with internal communications for large organizations, including staff intranet sites, staff newsletters and more.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and contractors to ensure maximization of project funds.
• Experience soliciting sponsors and sponsorship packages for large events and conferences.
• Experience working with the Minnesota Office of State Procurement, the StateWide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) system and/or contracting experience.
• 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, including experience writing and communicating for a diverse public audience.

Additional Requirements

• 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

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

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 Nellie Saunders at nellie.saunders@state.mn.us.

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.

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