Working Title: Government Relations Program Advisor, State Prog Admin Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: Cannabis Management Office
Job ID : 91255
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 : 01/21/2026
Closing Date : 02/04/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Cannabis Management Office / Cannabis Mgt Off - MAPE
Division/Unit : Cannabis Management Office-OCM / Government Relations Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, Up to 25%
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Job Class Option : Legal Services
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is currently seeking a Government Relations Advisor to provide high-quality policy and implementation advice and conduct research and analysis in response to state, federal, and regulatory changes, and serve as liaison with the federal government. The incumbent will also partner with the Minnesota state legislature, local governments, and tribal governments and play a key role in policy and budget development and legislative strategy and prioritization.
These expectations may differ during the Legislative session.
A successful incumbent in this position will be able to:
Provide policy advice, research and analysis, and consultative services to OCM leadership, division directors, and teams to support the Office's program goals
Coordinate office program implementation activities in response to state and federal legislative and regulatory changes
Manage the Office's intersection and coordination with the federal government and other states
Research, analyze, and maintain current knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting OCM
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of state, federal, and local government
This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two (2) days per week and is expected to be in the office three (3) days per week.
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 experience in the legislative process, government relations, and policy development.
A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
A master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field may substitute for 18 months of experience
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience with the legislative and agency processes, including committee structure, bill tracking, and the role of state agencies in implementing legislation process and knowledge of the role of state agencies.
Policy and legislative analysis, conducting research, proposal and issue tracking, statutory language development and interpretation, and related program implementation.
Advanced communication and negotiation skills, ability to convey complex policy information clearly and translate information into succinct, strategic written communication, advocate effectively for agency positions, and understand, collaborate, and mediate with diverse stakeholders
Ability to travel to Minnesota State Capitol for legislative committee hearings and meetings, and ability to travel in state for local and tribal government engagement.
Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment
As part of the selection process, candidates may be asked to complete a job-related writing assessment to evaluate written communication and analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other related degree
Knowledge of the Minnesota legislative and policy making processes
Knowledge of the Minnesota biennial budgeting processes
Knowledge of Minnesota cannabis laws and regulations
Experience leading or advising committees, work groups, or advisory groups
Experience in the legislative or government relations processes of the cannabis or other highly regulated industry
Additional Requirements
A 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 review
Criminal background check
The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
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.
