Working Title: Government Relations Director

Job Class: Senior Executive Officer

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 77289
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to four (4) days per week
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/04/2024
• Closing Date: 06/25/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Econ Dev -Managerial
• Division/Unit: Comm Off/Support Branch / CO Commissioners Office X
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.67 - $64.12 / hourly; $93,270 - $133,882 / annually
• Classified Status: Statutory Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• 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.

This position will manage and oversee government relations at the local, state, and federal levels for DEED with a primary focus of advancing the Agency’s goals, objectives, and mission. The incumbent is responsible for developing and executing DEED’s legislative agenda, strategizing communication and action plans, advising DEED leadership on government affairs, and effectively managing diverse stakeholder relationships. The incumbent will build relationships and communicate to promote government affairs and the legislative work of DEED, including reports, briefings, presentations, and critical updates.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advise the Commissioner and senior leadership on state, local, and federal government affairs.
• Serve as a liaison between DEED and the Governor’s Office, other state agencies, and other local and federal elected officials.
• Manage internal legislative proposal development including organizing collaborative brainstorming and decision making across DEED leadership.
• Lead community and stakeholder engagement, in coordination with agency public engagement staff, in developing ideas for legislative proposals, and vetting legislative proposals.
• Lead process and planning in the drafting of bill language.
  
  

This position is statutory unclassified and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Five (5) years* of progressively responsible government affairs experience in state, tribal, federal, or local government, or equivalent private sector experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience
  
  

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Analytical skills to evaluate, review, and critique of proposed policy and legislation to thoughtfully respond and anticipate questions and concerns from a variety of stakeholders.

Experience with advocacy and negotiation.

Organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.

Demonstrated ability to work with and influence a multitude of constituencies with diplomacy and tact.

Knowledge of communication strategies and practices sufficient to disseminate information to a wide audience.

Demonstrated capacity to communicate complicated information effectively to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Juris Doctor (J.D.) or closely related field as determined by the agency.

Knowledge of State policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of information and data practices.

Demonstrated effective leadership during crisis communication periods.

Experience building and supporting diverse coalitions respectfully and inclusively.

Supervisory or lead worker experience with demonstrated skills in setting priorities, providing work direction, manage projects, coaching, and developing staff.

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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 Amber Yang at amber.yang@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 Amber Yang at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at¿Karen.Lilledahl@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.