Government Relations Director - State Prog Admin Manager Sr

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Rights is seeking a senior government affairs leader to oversee policy proposals, legislative strategy, and budget management. You will advise the Commissioner and leadership on complex budget and policy matters and supervise Finance staff, coordinating with the Department of Administration.

The role requires strong communication skills, policy analysis capabilities, and experience working with state legislators.

Qualifications

• Five years of government affairs or legislative experience that includes demonstrated experience in developing initiatives or strategies around government affairs topics and/or external stakeholder work.
• A doctorate degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• At least two (2) years of supervision experience, which includes all elements of supervision, such as hiring, disciplining, rewarding, coaching, and directing work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development of the Agency’s policy proposals, legislative strategy, budget, and management of its financial resources.
• Provide advice and counsel to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and leadership on legislative budget and policy matters.
• Provide clear, supportive leadership to the Finance staff within MDHR and coordinate with Finance partners at the Dept of Admin.

Skills

government affairs

legislative experience

supervision experience

policy analysis

communication skills

Education

Doctorate substitute for experience

Master's substitute for experience

Bachelor's substitute for experience

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

• Job ID: 97350
• 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: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Payroll Processing Unit / Human Rights Managers
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

This position will play a key role in achieving the transformational goals of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) by protecting and strengthening the Minnesota Human Rights Act and this Agency through agency government relations and finance work. This position is responsible to oversee the development of the Agency’s policy proposals, legislative strategy, budget, and management of its financial resources. This position is responsible for providing advice and counsel to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and other members of the leadership team on all legislative budget and policy matters. This position provides clear, supportive leadership to the Finance staff within MDHR and works closely with our Finance partners at Dept of Admin.

To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment with a mix of weekly in office and telework days that vary by team, position, and business needs. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five years of government affairs or legislative experience that includes demonstrated experience in developing initiatives or strategies around government affairs topics and/or external stakeholder work.
• A doctorate degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for two years of experience; Master’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• At least two (2) years of supervision experience, which includes all elements of supervision, such as hiring, disciplining, rewarding, coaching, and directing work.

Applicants must include a cover letter to be considered

Additionally applicants will be assessed on the following qualifications

• Experience with budget and financial management.
• Knowledge and experience with the Minnesota legislative process, including experience with the committee process and knowledge of the role of state agencies.
• Demonstrated experience with policy analysis, statutory language interpretation and development, and program implementation.
• Ability to effectively communicate highly technical information to unfamiliar audiences in plain, understandable language.
• Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of complex regulatory issues, applicable regulatory laws and rules, state and federal agency requirements, and common regulatory practice to evaluate alternative actions and communicate relevant information.
• Experience presenting to both large and small audiences, including experience testifying at the Legislature and meeting with state legislators and executive branch leadership.
• Extensive knowledge or direct experience working with local, state, and tribal governments, including the Minnesota State Legislature specifically
• Experience with collective bargaining agreements and plans and labor and employee relations laws and practices.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Janel Lane at [e-mail].

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 Janel Lane at [e-mail].

About Human Rights Dept

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr.

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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.