Working Title: Tribal Liaison
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 88373
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 08/27/2025.
Date Posted : 08/21/2025
Closing Date : 09/10/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Commissioner's Office / Commissioner's Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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 be located in St. Paul and may have the option to telework.
The primary purpose of the MDA Tribal Liaison position is to coordinate efforts across all MDA divisions with regard to supporting, developing, enhancing, and promoting effective working partnerships between Minnesota's tribal governments, Minnesota MDA, and other relevant agencies. The incumbent will assist the Commissioner's Office and senior agency leadership in developing policies, procedures, and regulatory processes that significantly or uniquely affect Native American tribal communities and that meet best practices and the goals of Executive Order 19-24; advise leadership on issues pertaining to culture; and ensure that MDA actions are guided by principles of respect for tribal self-government, sovereignty, and tribal treaties. The incumbent will also advise MDA staff in developing and maintaining meaningful partnerships and engagement opportunities with tribal nations and communities, as well as develop and implement MDA-specific training on Tribal-State relations. In addition, the incumbent will serve as a primary point of contact for tribal leaders, staff, and community members seeking to work with the MDA on matters where they do not have an established, matter-specific contact. The Tribal Liaison's work will require coordination with the Director of Tribal-State Relations in the Governor's Office.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Four (4) years of advanced professional level experience in program development, implementation, and quality review/improvement. NOTE: A bachelor's Degree in Indian Affairs, Agriculture, Communications, Cultural Studies, or related field may substitute one (1) year of work experience.
AND
Experience in any of the following areas:
Working with American Indians
Working on an Indian Reservation
Interacting or participating with Tribal governments
Interacting or participating in tribal affairs or in a tribal community-based position
Knowledge of and respect for American Indian values, cultures and traditions, tribal laws and government, with experience in working with tribes in Minnesota.
Strong interpersonal skills sufficient to mediate, persuade, negotiate, and manage relationships with American Indians, department staff, and other stakeholders, and effectively resolve problems or issues.
Ability to work in a collaborative manner to accomplish goals and objectives of the Department in cooperation with tribal governments including the ability to build support among American Indian tribes for agency initiatives and programs.
Ability to develop and revise policies and procedures.
Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Established working relationships with the American Indian community.
Knowledge of government organizations, functions and relationships.
Knowledge of Agricultural programs and policies.
Cultural competence, particularly related to American Indian Culture.
Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate, mediate, persuade, negotiate and manage relationships.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver's License Check
Conflict of Interest Review
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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
