Working Title: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director

Agency: Public Safety Dept

Job ID: 95773 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and DPS employees eligible to bid. Eligible bidders (permanent, classified employees in the same job classification) should apply through self-service and confirm their bid by emailing megan.lund@state.mn.us by 11:59 PM 08/10/2026. Date Posted: 08/04/2026 Closing Date: 08/31/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Safety Dept / Public Safety-MMA Division/Unit: Office of Justice Programs / OJP Management Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50% of the time Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / 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.

Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division.

This position exists to lead the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office within the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs. The MMIR Office strives to reduce and end violence against all Indigenous people in Minnesota. The Director provides strategic planning, programming, and policy direction for the Office in collaboration with key partners as well as administrative management of the Office.

The ideal candidate has a working knowledge and understanding of what leads to MMIR in Minnesota, including root causes, historical trauma, and how intersecting federal, state, and local systems impact violence against Indigenous communities and people.

The Ideal Candidate Is

A strong leader with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organizational goals. A team builder with demonstrated experience in building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams; has experience in fostering a positive and inclusive team culture; has experience in leading teams through periods of change and transformation; and has the ability to inspire and motivate others to perform their best. A collaborator with a strong ability to develop, cultivate, and manage relationships with key partners; has experience in navigating complex key-partner relationships, both internal and external to the organization. A strong communicator with exceptional verbal and written communication skills; the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to different audiences; ability to prepare reports, present recommendations, facilitate meetings, and communicate effectively with executive leadership, Tribal governments, legislators, law enforcement, community partners, and the public. An experienced change agent and project manager; experience in managing projects from inception to completion; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. An implementer with experience developing and operationalizing policies, initiatives, and programs, as well as experience evaluating and developing recommendations for improvements.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience leading or administering complex public programs, initiatives, or services involving strategic planning, policy development, collaboration with key partners, and program implementation.

Experience Must Demonstrate

Experience in administrative management sufficient to plan, organize, and direct human and fiscal resources to achieve full productivity under changing circumstances. Two (2) years supervisory experience including hiring, coaching, performance management, team development, directing the work of others, establishing priorities, and achieving organizational goals. Experience developing managing and monitoring program budgets, including experience with multi-year funding cycles and forecasting future funding needs Experience working directly with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), human trafficking, violent crime, victim services, missing persons, Indigenous justice initiatives, or related public safety programs. Experience working with and developing alliances with Tribal Nations or Indigenous communities and demonstrated knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, government-to-government relationships, and a direct connection to Minnesota Tribal Nations' history and culture. Proficiency in criminal investigations, multidisciplinary case review processes, or the criminal justice system as it relates to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working within or in partnership with Tribal governments, Tribal justice systems, Tribal law enforcement, or Tribal victim services programs. Experience working within or in partnership with state and local governments, state and local justice systems, state and local law enforcement, and state and local victim services programs. Experience facilitating multidisciplinary case review teams or cross-jurisdictional collaborations involving Tribal, federal, state, and local partners. Demonstrated experience with responsive support of a council or board. Experience with Minnesota's state biennial budget process, including developing budget proposals, tracking appropriations, and managing programs through budget cycle. Experience navigating government structures, including the relationships between executive, legislative, and judicial branches and how policy, funding, and program authority interact. Experience providing testimony, policy recommendations, or briefing materials to executive, Tribal government, or state legislative audiences.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others, and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

Criminal history

Reference check

Drivers license check

SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify

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 Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us .

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 Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us.

About Public Safety Dept

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,400 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

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.

For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Affirmative Action Division at ADA.accommodations.DPS@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875 (voice) or using your preferred telecommunications relay provider.