Working Title: Continuous Improvement Lead
Job Class: State Program Administrator Coordinator
Agency: Commerce Department
- Job ID: 96944
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Limited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 09/17/2026
- Closing Date: 09/30/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Commerce Dept / Commerce-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Business Solutions Office
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Any Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
- Classified Status: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- End Date: 3 years from hire date
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
- 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.
Hybrid work schedule available, up to 50% telework depending on business needs. Telework can be outside of the state of Minnesota if the candidate lives in a state bordering Minnesota and lives 50 miles or less from the primary work location. Primary work location will be the Golden Rule Building in St. Paul.
Internal candidates should contact the Human Resources Representative listed on the job posting with questions.
This
three (3) year temporary unclassified position exists to serve as the Department of Commerce's first Continuous Improvement Lead. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build our Continuous Improvement program from the ground up rather than step into an established framework. You will also have the mandate to design our resource library and training offerings, select our tools, and shape how process improvement is practiced across the agency for years to come. You will work directly with stakeholders at every level, from front-line staff to the Commissioner's Office, on high-visibility initiatives that require original thinking rather than applying an existing playbook. We are looking for someone who is energized by ambiguity and excited by the challenge of building something new.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of experience performing analysis, exercising judgment, and relying on knowledge in leading continuous/process improvement projects.
Applicants who meet the above experience requirement will be further evaluated based on the following:
- Green Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement methodology
- Experience creating and rolling out continuous improvement written materials and templates to staff and leadership
- Facilitation experience sufficient to facilitate group sessions involving competing priorities or conflict
- Data analysis skills, including experience using tools, such as Excel and Power BI, to establish baseline performance, measure progress, and translate findings into recommendations for non-technical audiences
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience building and maintaining Microsoft SharePoint sites and Teams
- Experience designing and delivering continuous improvement training to staff and leadership
- Black Belt or equivalent certification in Continuous/Process Improvement methodology
Physical Requirements
Requires occasional moving of articles such as boxes, accounting records, laptop computer, and portable printer.
Additional Requirements
Job offer is contingent upon passing reference checks to verify job-related credentials, a criminal background check and drivers’ license check prior to appointment.
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
[email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Amy Uhlendorf at
[email protected] or 651-539-1505.
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 Amy Uhlendorf at
[email protected].
About Commerce Department
Commerce protects the public interest through a broad range of regulations and programs. We oversee more than 40 industry areas in Minnesota and license about 250,000 professionals and businesses to ensure that their services and products are fair, accessible and comply with state laws.
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 developmentTuition reimbursement
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
[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
