Assistant Director of Government Relations - State Prog Admin Manager

Job DetailsWorking Title: Assistant Director of Government Relations - State Prog Admin ManagerJob Class: State Program Administrator, ManagerAgency: Education Department• Job ID: 79719• Location: Minneapolis• Telework Eligible: Yes - Telework arrangements may be possible. You will discuss your preferences and requirements of the position and complete a telework agreement. Employees do need to reside in MN or a border state and may need to report to the office on a periodic basis. Work during legislative sessions will require employee to be in person.• Full/Part Time: Full-Time• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers• Date Posted: 08/30/2024• Closing Date: 09/19/2024• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Education Department / MDE-CO-Managerial• Division/Unit: Education-St Paul / Government Relations• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift• Days of Work: Monday - Friday• Travel Required: No• Salary Range: $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annually• Classified Status: Classified• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: YesThe 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 SummaryAs the Assistant Director of Government Relations for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), you will provide significant management and coordination of the MDE government relations and policy functions for the agency, and will work cross functionally with the Governor's Office, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), members of the Minnesota Legislature and staff, members of Minnesota U.S. Congress and staff and other appropriate state and federal agencies. You will work at the direction of MDE's Director of Government Relations to help represent the Department in legislative matters. You will drive impactful work to lead the annual education and budget setting process from concept to completion. Duties will include:• Collaborating within the agency in the preparation and presentation of administration bills related to PreK through adult basic education;• Working with other MDE divisions to determine policy and budgetary requests and needs;• Supervisory responsibilities within a government relations team;• Coordinate Department positions policy and fiscal proposals to ensure the best interests of students in the State of Minnesota;• Attending and monitoring legislative hearings and attending meetings with legislative members and staff;• Interacting with external education partners to solicit ideas, feedback on agency priorities, and act as a liaison for agency matters;• Developing summaries of legislative session outcomes and presenting to a range of partners, internal and external to the administration;• Assisting MDE divisions in interpreting legislative intent.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications5 years of progressively responsible government affairs experience in a state, tribal, federal or local government.ORA bachelor's or master's degree AND 4 years of progressively responsible government affairs experience in a state, tribal, federal or local government.Experience must include:• Knowledge and experience in development of proposal packages;• Experience as a team lead or manager/supervisor;• Experience independently creating policy;• Experience with public speaking;• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written as well as advocacy and negotiation;• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain internal and external relationships;• Strong analytical skills allowing for evaluation, review and critique of proposed policy and legislation to thoughtfully respond and anticipate questions and concerns from a variety of partners;• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously;• Knowledge of State policies, procedures, and practices in the areas of education;• Demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of employees to articulate issues concisely and effectively;• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and discretionPreferred Qualifications• Knowledge of communication strategies and practices sufficient to disseminate information to a wide audience;• Excellent human relations skills to work with many different types of individuals from legislators to staff to lobbyists;• Knowledge and experience in the development and formulation of statewide education aid budgets;• Knowledge and experience in the development and formulation of state agency operating budgets;• Knowledge and experience in the development and formulation of state policy proposal packages;• Past supervisory experience;• Strong experience championing issues related to educational equity;• Demonstrated capacity to communicate complicated information effectively to a variety of audiences;• Demonstrated ability to build and support diverse coalitions in a respectful and inclusive manner.Additional RequirementsA job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)• Employment Reference Check• Conflict of Interest ReviewThe Minnesota Department of Education will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.Application DetailsHow to ApplySelect “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.ContactIf you have questions about this position, contact Kate Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us or 651-582-8558.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 Kate Elling at katherine.elling@state.mn.us.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 growthBenefitsAs 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-beingSupport 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 carePrograms, 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 EMPLOYERSMinnesota 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 DISABILITIESMinnesota 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.