Director of Legislation and External Affairs / State Program Administrator Manager

Director Of Legislation And External Affairs

Job Class : State Program Administrator Manager

Agency : Children Youth & Families Dept

Location : St. Paul

Telework Eligible : Yes

Full / Part Time : Full-Time

Regular / Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers. This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 12 / 11 / 25 date. Please note that to be considered a bidder, you must be a permanent, non-probationary DCYF employee in the same job classification as the position posted.

Closing Date : 12 / 26 / 2025

Hiring Agency / Seniority Unit : DCYF / Managerial

Division / Unit : DCYF / Government Relations

Work Shift : Day Shift

Work Hours : 8 : 00 AM - 4 : 30 PM

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : Yes, 5%

Salary Range : $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit / Union : 220 - Manager / Unrep

FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

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.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or neighboring states) and flexible hours options are available.

As a Legislative Director at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, you will serve as legislative and policy development manager for assigned administration(s). In this position you will be responsible for leading the development of department-, administration-, and division-level priority change initiatives, with a focus on initiatives that result in legislation. Domains of responsibility include :

Directing the legislative agenda for assigned administration(s) and division(s)

Serving as an advisor to leadership in administration(s) and division(s) related to government relations practices and strategies

Developing and implementing government relations strategies

Leading major policy change initiatives

Providing leadership and mentoring for division-level staff and legislative coordinators / leads and directing their work to develop strategic policy and budget proposals

Managing and improving stakeholder relations

Representing the policy and budget priorities for assigned administration(s) and division(s) with external parties

Control and direct business operations of DCYF

Make decisions and issuances of directions to other employees such as policy leaders, Assistant Commissioners and more

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of advocacy or lobbying experience at the state or federal level, with at least 3 years of experience with the Minnesota Legislature.

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following during the interview process :

Significant testimony before legislative bodies, including testimony that is prepared in advance and impromptu

Knowledge of human services concepts, programs, roles, and functions of state government, as well as of the county and local delivery system

Clear understanding of the legislative process and timelines in Minnesota

Demonstrated high-quality writing skills exhibited through preparation of legislation, clear and concise fact sheets, talking points, briefing packets, legislative reports, presentations, and correspondence for legislators and / or upper management

Effective project management skills sufficient to lead policy staff and leadership through various complex processes, including proposal development, hearing / testimony preparation, and preparing reports to the legislature

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that will include long and irregular hours particularly during the legislative session

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree in public administration / public policy or a law degree

Experience working in a legislative capacity for a state agency or the legislature

Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components :

Reference check

Criminal Background check

Fingerprinting check (MNJIS / CJIS)

Driver's License Check

Personnel File Review : all current and former public sector employees

Additional assessment may be required during the interview process

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.