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Job Details

Working Title: Government Relations Director
Job Class: Planner Senior/Principal State
Agency: Disability Council

• Job ID: 93528
• 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: 04/14/2026
• Closing Date: 04/28/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN Council on Disability
• Division/Unit: MN Council on Disability/ Executive Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 20%
• Planner Senior State Salary Range: $28.26 – $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 – $86,505 / annually
• Planner Principal State Salary Range: $32.40 – $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 – $99,722 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Planner Senior State: Nonexempt
• FLSA Status: Planner Principal State: 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

Notice: This posting is being announced at two (2) different classification levels: Planner Senior State and Planner Principal State. The
final job classification will be determined based on the selected finalist’s qualifications.

As the Government Relations Director, you will co-lead the agency’s legislative interactions and human and civil rights public policy
programs, ensuring that biennial general fund appropriations, fiscal notes, and public policy administration initiatives are successful
along with the Legislative Affairs Director. You will play a significant role developing reports, tracking policy issues and concerns from
other state agencies, briefing packages, budget recommendations, and positioning information to state lawmakers; and developing
strong relationships with the legislature and governor’s office.

This is a highly impactful and a highly visible position where, in addition to representing the agency, you will be responsible for the
development of strategies on how statewide policy initiatives for people with disabilities will be planned, funded, and delivered by
analyzing, monitoring, and administering the agency’s legislative program.

Responsibilities include policy development, legislative bill writing and tracking, meeting with legislators, participating in committees and
task forces across the enterprise, attending legislative hearings, and delivering testimony on legislation relevant to Minnesotans with
disabilities and disability-related organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application
materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

Planner Senior State

Two (2) years of experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, disability policy, human or civil rights policy, or
related public administration work.

Work experience must include demonstrated knowledge of the Minnesota legislative and policy making processes.

Planner Principal State

Three (3) years of experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, disability policy, human or civil rights policy, or
related public administration work.

Work experience must include responsibility for policy analysis, legislative review, stakeholder engagement, or government decisionmaking.

Minimum Qualifications Accessed During the Interview

• Knowledge of the barriers, issues, and areas of importance to the disability community of Minnesota.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communications skills to share information about agency programs with stakeholders of various
  knowledge levels.
• Diplomacy and creative problem-solving skills to lead effective conversations, diffuse political tensions, and create best scenario
  solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop agency strategy for building and maintaining relationships with influencers and other
  stakeholders for potential partnerships.
• Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with community advocates, state agency leaders, legislators, and governor’s
  office staff.
• Ability to multi-task and possess strong organizational skills to complete competing priorities and meet objectives.

A bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, business administration, communications or a related degree may
substitute for one year of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state biennial and bonding budgetary processes.
• Understanding of digital access theory, laws, and compliance to ensure agency compliance to WCAG/508 standards.
• Knowledge in wide range of various social areas impact the disability community including but not limited to human and civil
  rights, economic health, physical and digital access, transportation, employment, recreation, health and human services,
  independent living initiatives, etc.
• Knowledge and experience in data analysis and research methods.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass background and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

How to Apply

To apply for this job,

1. Visit https://mn.gov/mmb/careers
2. Select “Search open positions”
3. Search for job posting ID 93528

If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about this position, contact Teresa Mills at Teresa.Mills@state.mn.us or 651-201-2428.

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 Teresa Mills at Teresa.Mills@state.mn.us.

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.

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.