The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the State of Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED's mission is simple: to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
We are driven to find talented and innovative public servants, motivated by the opportunity to serve businesses, people, and the greater good. At DEED you will join a diverse team, inspired by challenging work and united by shared values that guide our work every day. At DEED we live our values by; focusing on the customer, communicating early and often, seeking solutions, creating inclusion, encouraging new ideas, and being gracious.
DEED is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon agency and committed to proactively supporting service-members, veterans, and military families. DEED offers great employment opportunities with a meaningful mission to truly make a difference in the lives of those under our care and for those in communities throughout Minnesota.
Working Title: Manager of Appeals Job Class: Staff Attorney Supervisor Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development Job ID: 86081Location: St. PaulTelework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some teleworkFull/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: This vacancy is open for expressions of interest and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 05/13/2025.Date Posted: 05/07/2025Closing Date: 05/20/2025Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Employment & Economic Development / MMADivision/Unit: Paid Family & Medical LeaveWork Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00AM - 4:30PMDays of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: NoSalary Range: $46.91 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,948 - $139,916 / annuallyClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining 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
About the Paid Leave Division:
Paid Leave is a new program launching in 2026. The program will provide partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who are out of work due to a qualifying condition, such as a severe health condition that prevents them from working, or when they need time to care for a family member or a new child.
We are building a program that will be easy for every Minnesotan to use. We are engaging the people who depend on us-workers, employers, caregivers, and insurers-to learn from them and build the program around their needs. We are using modern service delivery and product practices to deliver the program.
The Paid Leave team has high standards and an unrelenting commitment to serving Minnesotans. It is a start-up environment without legacy systems or preconceived ways of working, so we have a unique opportunity to create human-centric processes and systems to deliver this new benefit to Minnesotans.
Position Purpose:
This posting is for two (2) Appeals Manager positions for Paid Leave who will hold critical roles in our organization. Understanding that these roles will work in tandem and serve to back each other, please indicate whether you have a preference for a position. Appeals Manager, Pre-Hearing Operations: This Appeals Manager will manage a team that performs first-look intake of appeals to determine jurisdiction, legal question, and complexity. This role manages the team in drafting and issuing orders, subpoenas, and manages the preparation of cases for scheduled hearings. Appeals Manager, Hearing Operations: This Appeals Manager will manage a team of Paid Leave judges that hold de novo due process evidentiary hearings for Paid Leave applicants and employers. This role ensures high quality, prompt decision-making, legal accuracy, and makes sure participants receive a fair hearing experience. These positions will collaborate dynamically with each other and understand that team cohesion is critical for success. As an Appeals Manager, you may personally handle sensitive cases for the unit (including holding hearings and issuing a decision based on the facts and the law). You will be assisting in the creation of the Appeals team and unit policies and procedures. The Appeals unit will deliver successful appeals capabilities that meet all statutory and legal requirements. Once live, you will manage the day-to-day activities of your team, ensuring timely decision-making with an eye towards efficiency, quality, and ensuring due process. You'll also play a key role in reviewing hearings and decisions for quality and legal accuracy. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Appeals, you're vital to the overall success of our division.
Key Responsibilities: Lead with Integrity: Provide leadership and development to a team of twelve (12) to twenty-five (25) employees, including Paid Leave judges who are attorneys, legal analysts, and administrative staff. Own and Develop Appeals Operations: We are building our division from the ground up. Design, build, and lead pre-hearing operations , including assessing incoming appeals for jurisdiction, analyzing cases for order decisions, preparation of case files for hearing, and scheduling hearings OR hearing operations , including training Paid Leave judges on how to conduct due process, evidentiary hearings, write cogent, legally correct decisions, and review reconsideration requests for performance integrity. Legal Advice: Provide legal advice to Appeals unit team, supporting consistent interpretation of applicable statutes and rules related to Paid Leave. Quality and Compliance: Review hearings and draft decisions to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance. Start-up Spirit: We're a start-up within state government; you are excited to play a key role in developing the organization, processes, and systems required to deliver the appeals capabilities for Paid Leave. 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.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
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.
Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and licensed to practice law in Minnesota in good standing (as of date of application for this position)
AND
Four (4) years of experience in a supervisory, managerial, or leadership capacity overseeing or executing administrative law processes in a law firm, legal nonprofit, or public sector setting; two (2) of those years must include experience conducting legal research, writing, and analysis in a law firm, legal nonprofit, or public sector setting
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: Experience conducting hearings or inquiries as a neutral fact-finder in an administrative law setting, conducting investigations that result in a written report, or presiding over other matters in a legal or quasi-legal setting Experience designing new business processes or improving existing processesExperience coaching, mentoring, and developing staff while building strong, trusting relationships Demonstrated ability to cultivate collaborative and supportive team relationships, including emotional intelligence Ability to identify and solve root causes to eliminate recurring issues Preferred Qualifications Experience navigating complex statutes and rules Demonstrated ability to measure and meet operational service level agreementsKnowledge of appeals processes and hearing requirements at scale Ability to work in a start-up environment where roles will evolve over time based on the needs of the organization Ability to make decisions with limited or changing information 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.
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 . 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 .
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 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 Sarah Beaverson at or 651-259-7293 .
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities 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 IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-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 developmentFederal 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 performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily 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 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
