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Job Details
Working Title: Legislative Affairs Director
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Disability Council
- Job ID: 85266
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 04/01/2025
- Closing Date: 04/15/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Council on Disability
- Division/Unit: Minnesota Council on Disability/Executive Office
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes
- Salary Range: $31.92 – $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 – $98,240 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees
- 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.
Job Summary
The Minnesota Council on Disability is looking for their next Legislative Affairs Director! This position provides agency-wide leadership, management and stewardship over the Minnesota Council on Disability policy and budgetary legislative priorities. Additionally, this position is responsible to provide leadership, management, direction, coordination, and consultation to secure the agency biennial general fund appropriation, including fiscal notes, and to administer the public policy initiatives for the agency’s human and civil rights public policy program. This position often partners with the Government Relations Director in leading the agency efforts regarding legislation or the legislative branch.
This work is achieved by preparing reports to state lawmakers, briefing packages, budget recommendations, and positioning information. The incumbent coordinates agency statements to legislators, legislative staff, and the governor’s office, and ensures effective relationships are established and maintained with the legislature and governor’s office so that agency’s human and civil rights public policy program is successful. There will also be communications responsibilities for newsletters or social media copy to share relevant and critical issues around the legislative process or initiatives with partners and the public.
Note: This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team members or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (PDF) for details.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Three (3) years of experience working with the Minnesota disability community and/or government, public relations, or another related field.
- Experience with financial and budgetary management.
- Experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships.
An associate’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related degree may substitute for 6 months of experience.
A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related degree may substitute for one year of experience.
A master’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related degree may substitute for 18 months of experience.
Minimum qualifications accessed during the interview:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public policy analysis and development.
- Knowledge of the barriers, issues, and areas of importance to the disability community of Minnesota.
- Ability to lead strategic initiatives, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and manage complex projects that deliver high stakes results in potentially controversial environments.
- Skills in verbal and written communications sufficient to provide direction to staff, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and interpret and communicate complex information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related degree.
- Demonstrated experience managing public policy.
- Demonstrated experience managing legislative projects in politically sensitive environments.
- Demonstrated understanding of laws (federal and state) governing the civil rights of people with disabilities, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Rehab Act of 1974, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
- Knowledge of or experience with Minnesota’s state government is preferred.
Additional Requirements
As part of its hiring procedures, it is the policy of the Minnesota Council on Disability to conduct SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only) and an employment reference check.
How to Apply
Visit Careers in Minnesota State Government and choose the appropriate portal:
- External Applicants
- Current Employees
- Accessible Applicant Portal
On the Job Search page (or Careers if you are a current employee) search for: Job ID 85266.
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, visit Careers in Minnesota State Government.
If you have questions about the position, email Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or call 651-201-2393.
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.
Connect 700 Program Applicants
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant,
- Apply online
- Email Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us by the closing date with the following:
- Job ID#
- Working Title
- Valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate
About the Minnesota Council on Disability
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) was established in 1973 to advise the Governor, state agencies, the state legislature, and the public on disability issues, technical assistance on disability laws and rights, and training on access issues. Our vision is a barrier-free Minnesota where every person with a disability has full access to all areas of life.
Why Work for the State of 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 Federal Student Aid.)
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
Note: 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.