Employer Engagement Specialist - Workforce Development Specialist 2

• Working Title:

  Employer Engagement Specialist

• Job Class:

  Workforce Development Specialist 2

• Agency:

  Department of Employment and Economic Development
• + •Job ID•: 94142 + •Location•: Mankato; Marshall; Rochester; Winona + •Telework Eligible•: Yes, may be eligible for some telework + •Full/Part Time•: Full-Time + •Regular/Temporary•: Limited + •Who May Apply•: Open to all qualified job seekers + •Date Posted•: 05/13/2026 + •Closing Date•: 05/19/2026 + •Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit•: Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE + •Division/Unit•: Workforce Development + •Work Shift/Work Hours•: Day Shift, 8:00AM•4:30PM + •Days of Work•: Monday•Friday + •Travel Required•: Yes, up to 50% of the time + •

Salary Range:

• $30.23
• $44.48 / hourly; $63,120
• $92,874 / annually +
• Classified Status
• : Unclassified +
• Bargaining Unit/Union
• : 214
• Minnesota Association of Professional Employees +
• End Date
• : Up to twenty (20) months +
• FLSA Status
• : Nonexempt + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
• 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 will be based at one (1) of the following DEED offices: Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, or Winona. Before hire, the location will be determined based on the incumbent's proximity and work location availability. The Employer Engagement Specialist builds and maintains relationships with Minnesota employers to understand their hiring, retention, and workforce development needs. The role conducts employer outreach, delivers workforce solutions, and connects businesses with job seekers—especially individuals from underrepresented communities. The specialist leads and supports industry initiatives such as Drive for 5, collaborates with CareerForce and DEED partners statewide, and provides training, presentations, and labor-market-informed guidance to employers and staff. The position also performs specialized tasks such as H-2A farmworker housing inspections, data tracking, and project coordination to strengthen Minnesota's workforce system. This position is Temporary Unclassified due to the necessary development of a program with limited-duration funding. The position is fully anticipated to be no longer than twenty (20) months, as the program funding is anticipated to last for up to twenty (20) months. This position requires daily travel within the assigned region and occasional monthly overnight travel. This position is responsible to thirty-four (34) counties in southern MN that require travel to meetings with employers, partners and CareerForce Offices. This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) 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.

• 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.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting outreach, engagement, or relationship-building with employers, businesses, or community organizations.

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: + Experience providing employment, career, or workforce development services, including assessing hiring needs or connecting job seekers to employers. + Experience coordinating or supporting multi-partner projects, initiatives, or events. + Experience preparing and delivering presentations, trainings, or informational sessions to groups. + Experience using databases, Customer Relationship Management system (CRMs), or tracking systems to record interactions, metrics, or case information. + Experience communicating with diverse stakeholders through various methods such as reports and presentations. + Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation.

• Preferred Qualifications
• + Experience working with or supporting employers in healthcare, manufacturing, trades/construction, technology, or education.

+ Experience advising employers on recruitment, retention, job quality, or labor market information. + Experience supporting immigrants, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, women, justice-involved individuals, or people with disabilities in employment contexts. + Experience designing curriculum, developing training materials, or applying adult learning principles. + Experience using systems such as MinnesotaWorks.net, Salesforce, or other job-matching or case-management platforms. + Experience with foreign labor certification, agricultural outreach, or housing inspections. + 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 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.AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.