Human Rights Lawyer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $112,257.60 - $166,441.60 Annually
Location : Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-UNCL-01929
Department: Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Central
About the Position
The Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) is hiring a Deputy Director of Human Rights and Labor Standards to ensure fair, accessible, and accountable City services, programs, and practices for Saint Paul residents, workers, businesses, and visitors. For more information please see the position
About the department:
The HREEO department administers and enforces City ordinances related to human rights, labor standards, accessibility, police civilian review, contract compliance, and related regulatory programs, while also supporting community engagement, public education, and interdepartmental coordination.
HREEO works across departments, community organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies to support consistent implementation of City policies and legal requirements and to strengthen public trust in City processes and services.
The department also provides administrative and operational support to the Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC), the City's civilian oversight body responsible for reviewing investigations involving complaints of misconduct by Saint Paul police officers and making disciplinary and policy recommendations to the Chief of Police.
The posted salary range reflects the full classification range. Starting salary is dependent upon experience and qualifications.
Here's what you can expect to do:

• Lead the development and implementation of Citywide policy, compliance, and governance strategies aligned with City goals and priorities in partnership with the City Attorney's Office.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging compliance risks, governance issues, regulatory changes, and operational impacts affecting City operations.
• Develop and monitor metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to evaluate compliance, performance, and strategic outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that strengthen operational consistency, accountability, and organizational performance.
• Maintain expertise in evolving laws, regulations, and best practices impacting City operations and compliance requirements.
• Oversee compliance programs related to federal, state, local, contractual, and City requirements.
• Represent the Department and build collaborative partnerships with the Mayor's Office, City Council, City departments, community organizations, businesses, law enforcement partners, external agencies, and other stakeholders.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Rights, or a related field, and four (4) years of experience in human rights enforcement, contract analysis and procurement, contract monitoring, investigation and enforcement, or capacity building.
At least one of these years must include supervision of staff.
Experience may be substituted for education based on two years of experience for one year of education.
How to Apply

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
   • A resume

First time applying online? Read our
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Unclassified Posting: This is an UNCLASSIFIED position and is therefore not governed by City Civil Service Rules. All who meet the criteria and requirements stated on the job posting will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.
Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Ellen Friedman 651-266-6533
Email:
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
**Working Title: Deputy Director of Human Rights and Labor Standards
**Official Title:
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:
City Paid Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Vacation/Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Life Insurance
• Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
• Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance

For a detailed overview, visit
01
The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification.I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.

• Yes

02
What interested you about this position?
03
This role involves balancing policy, public accountability, operational realities, and relationships across the City. What part of that work most appeals to you?
04
Describe a situation where you had to work through a complicated or sensitive issue involving multiple perspectives or stakeholders. What was important to you in how you approached it?
05
This position serves as a public-facing representative of the City on difficult and sometimes controversial issues. What do you think makes someone effective in that kind of role?
06
What is one organizational process, policy, or practice you've seen work particularly well - and why?
07
RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)

• City of Saint Paul website
• City of Saint Paul employee
• City of Saint Paul job interest card
• City of Saint Paul walk-in
• City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
• City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
• Friend or family member
• League of Minnesota Cities website
• Governmentjobs.com website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Indeed.com website
• ZipRecruiter
• Pollen website
• MinnesotaWorks.net
• College or University
• Community organization
• Job fair
• Professional association
• Saint Paul Elevate Session
• People of Color Career Fair
• Other

08
RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
Required Question