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 (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 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 decision-making.
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 experienc e.
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.
Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.
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.
