Executive Director, Statewide Emergency Communications Board

The Executive Director of the Statewide Emergency Communications Board (SECB) provides executive leadership and operational management in support of the Board’s mission to ensure effective, reliable, and interoperable public safety communications across Minnesota. This position directs the day-to-day operations of the SECB, serves as the primary staff liaison to the Board and its committees, and leads strategic planning, policy development, budget oversight, and legislative coordination within the Board’s statutory authority. The Executive Director supervises SECB staff, builds strong partnerships with state agencies, regional boards, and public safety stakeholders, and represents the Board to policymakers, the media, and the broader public safety community to advance statewide emergency communications priorities. 

This position works closely with state agencies, regional and local governments, and key public safety partners across Minnesota to advance coordinated and effective emergency communications. Through strong relationships and regular engagement, this role helps ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated and that public safety communications efforts are coordinated across agencies and jurisdictions.

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for executive, legislative, or public audiences. 

This position is eligible to telework 30%-50%, depending on the workload and needs of the division. 

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. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet all of the following qualifications. Resume tips are available here.

1. Five (5) or more years of experience in public sector administration, public safety, emergency communications, or a closely related field. (A bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience.) 
2. Demonstrated experience supporting or working with boards, commissions, or executive leadership in a governance or advisory capacity.
3. Experience developing, implementing, or managing programs, policies, or initiatives within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
4. Experience supervising staff, managing work priorities, and leading teams to achieve organizational objectives.
5. Experience with budget development, financial oversight, or resource management.
6. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with state agencies, tribal, regional and local governments, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public administration, emergency management, public safety, communications, law, or a related field. 
• Experience with public safety communications systems, including land mobile radio (LMR), interoperable communications, or statewide communications networks (e.g., ARMER or similar systems). 
• Experience working with or supporting statewide boards, commissions, or advisory bodies with statutory authority. 
• Knowledge of Minnesota state government operations, including budgeting, procurement, and legislative processes. 
• Experience coordinating or supporting legislative initiatives, including bill analysis, fiscal notes, or legislative testimony. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and navigate complex intergovernmental and politically sensitive environments. 
• Experience engaging with regional, local, tribal, and federal public safety partners. 
• Experience representing an organization in public forums, before elected officials, or with media. 

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

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

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

Credit check

Driver's license check

Drug screen

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.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@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 Madison Markgraf at madison.markgraf@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 marna.johnson@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1875.