There are currently many notable job openings in state government, and I invite you to share these vacancies with interested candidates or consider applying yourself.
Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs
Deadline: Monday, December 12
I’m excited to announce that the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is hiring an Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs. The Assistant Commissioner is responsible for supporting systemic efforts that advance immigrant and refugee integration, reduce barriers to their employment, and improve their connections to employers and businesses.
DEED is seeking a champion of inclusion with a deft skill for public engagement and organizing. This external role requires a thoughtful and courageous leader who knows how to work across differences to achieve shared goals and can relentlessly pursue key objectives on behalf of the DEED Commissioner and the Governor.
Current Cabinet Vacancies
Last week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan opened the application process to fill vacancies for leaders of the following state agencies:
• Department of Education
• Department of Health
• Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
• Department of Labor and Industry
• Department of Public Safety
• Department of Revenue
Application materials are due on November 30 by 4:00 p.m.
Public Engagement Liaison – AAPI & LBGTQIA+ Communities
Deadline: Tuesday, December 13
The Governor’s Office is looking for a Public Engagement Liaison. Public Engagement Liaisons work closely with community stakeholders to open a dialogue between the Office of the Governor and Minnesotans, ensuring that people’s voices are heard and valued within the Administration and that the concerns and priorities of Minnesota’s diverse communities can inform the work of state government. The Public Engagement Liaison will maintain internal and external relationships related to assigned issue areas and constituencies, including issues affecting Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) and LGBTQIA+ communities. The position will close on Tuesday, December 13, as we are working on getting this position hired quickly so that our department is fully staffed in preparation for the 2023 legislative session. Please encourage any candidates you know who may be interested to apply.
Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota has three ways to protect people from utility shutoffs during the winter: the Cold Weather Rule, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs, and the Gas Affordability Program.
The Cold Weather Rule is a Minnesota law that prevents heat disconnections during the winter months with payment arrangements. The Cold Weather Rule is a shutoff protection that protects customers from having electric or natural gas shutoffs between October 1 – April 30.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps income-qualified households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs by awarding grants. This program is open to people who rent or own their home. Applications are available in multiple languages.
The Gas Affordability Program is a state-mandated program that is available to recipients of LIHEAP benefits. It provides assistance with gas utility bills based on a percentage of household income spent on heating and help resolve late or incomplete bills.
In the meantime, remember that Free Park Day is on Friday, November 25. This means that on Friday, there will be no entrance fees to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The goal is to encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.
Lastly, if you plan to attend gatherings with friends and family over the next few days, please review the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidelines for safer celebrations and gatherings. Don’t forget that last week we shared that four additional free at-home rapid tests are available to all Minnesota households through the state’s online ordering program. Minnesotans who have previously ordered tests are again able to order four additional tests per household.