Government Relations Director - State Prog Admin Manager Sr

Working Title: Government Relations Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior

Agency: Human Rights Dept

• Job ID : 97350

• 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 : 10/06/2026

• Closing Date : 10/26/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-Managerial

• Division/Unit : Payroll Processing Unit / Human Rights Managers

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 play a key role in achieving the transformational goals of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) by protecting and strengthening the Minnesota Human Rights Act and this Agency through agency government relations and finance work. This position is responsible to oversee the development of the Agency’s policy proposals, legislative strategy, budget, and management of its financial resources. This position is responsible for providing advice and counsel to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and other members of the leadership team on all legislative budget and policy matters. This position provides clear, supportive leadership to the Finance staff within MDHR and works closely with our Finance partners at Dept of Admin.

To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment with a mix of weekly in office and telework days that vary by team, position, and business needs. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must include a cover letter to be considered

• Five years of government affairs or legislative experience that includes demonstrated experience in developing initiatives or strategies around government affairs topics and/or external stakeholder work.

• A doctorate degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

• At least two (2) years of supervision experience, which includes all elements of supervision, such as hiring, disciplining, rewarding, coaching, and directing work.

Additionally applicants will be assessed on the following qualifications:

• Experience with budget and financial management.

• Knowledge and experience with the Minnesota legislative process, including experience with the committee process and knowledge of the role of state agencies.

• Demonstrated experience with policy analysis, statutory language interpretation and development, and program implementation.

• Ability to effectively communicate highly technical information to unfamiliar audiences in plain, understandable language.

• Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of complex regulatory issues, applicable regulatory laws and rules, state and federal agency requirements, and common regulatory practice to evaluate alternative actions and communicate relevant information.

• Experience presenting to both large and small audiences, including experience testifying at the Legislature and meeting with state legislators and executive branch leadership.

• Extensive knowledge or direct experience working with local, state, and tribal governments, including the Minnesota State Legislature specifically

• Experience with collective bargaining agreements and plans and labor and employee relations laws and practices.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.