Legislative Director - Director Governmental Relations Classified

Minnesota Department of Health; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 79,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 50%

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Health seeks a Legislative Director to lead the agency’s legislative and governmental affairs programs, building partnerships with lawmakers and external partners. You will guide policy development, coordinate across divisions, and ensure alignment with MDH’s mission and budgetary planning.

The role requires executive-level advisory experience, leadership in supervisory settings, and the ability to manage complex legislative initiatives with high impact for Minnesotans.

Qualifications

• Five years in legislative relations or executive advisory roles with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience guiding policy development and strategic initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with legislators and policymakers.
• Experience evaluating legislation and supervising staff or projects.
• Formal leadership development or chairing committees (100+ hours annually).

Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of the agency’s legislative agenda and provide strategic direction to leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislative committees and policymakers.
• Educate policymakers on MDH’s mission and programs and respond to inquiries.
• Track and analyze state and federal legislation and coordinate agency initiatives.
• Supervise staff, manage the office budget, and align work with strategic plans.
• Guide staff on implementing new laws and grants and ensure timely reports.

Skills

Policy leadership

Executive advisory

Legislative relations

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

• Job ID: 97923
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/23/2026
• Closing Date: 11/12/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division: Executive Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $57.67 - $82.61 / hourly; $120,414 - $172,489 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan
• 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.

Join a mission-driven executive team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your expertise will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans!

This position serves as the Agency’s legislative director so that advice, guidance, and strategies are provided to the Executive Office, Division Directors and Assistant Division directors on the development of legislative programs and to ensure program and fiscal implications of plans are considered in the legislative planning process and reflected in the Agency’s budgetary and legislative proposals.

As the agency’s Legislative Director, you will lead the department’s legislative and governmental affairs programs so that partnership relationships are established and maintained in support of the department’s mission and objectives.

Working as the agency’s Legislative Director, you will:

• Direct all aspects of the agency’s legislative agenda, provide strategic direction to the Executive Office, prepare and present policy information, recommend legislative strategies, and represent MDH leadership in high-level meetings with lawmakers and partners.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with legislative committees and policymakers.
• Provide responsive service to legislators and external organizations and educate policymakers on MDH’s mission and programs.
• Track, analyze, and communicate state and federal legislation and coordinate legislative initiatives across the agency.
• Supervise legislative staff, ensure alignment with MDH strategic planning and HR practices, promote teamwork and customer service, and manage the office’s budget and resource.
• Guide program staff and division leadership on implementing new laws and grants, ensure required reports are submitted accurately and on time, and keep the legislature informed about program outcomes and status.

All MDH Leaders are expected to demonstrate and develop the six competency themes from the Enterprise Leader Competency Definition Guide.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year of each job held.

Five (5) years of experience in legislative relations, public sector policy leadership, governmental affairs, or executive-level advisory roles that include executive-level advisory responsibilities.

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others.
• Leading development and execution of legislative or governmental affairs strategies.
• Providing strategic policy guidance to executives or senior level decision-makers.
• Managing relationships with legislators, government officials, and external advocacy partners.
• Evaluating, drafting, or interpreting legislation, policies, or rules.
• Experience leading organizational initiatives, supervising staff, or managing projects.

AND

• Formal leadership roles.
• Supervising or leading staff or major projects.
• Completion of a formal recognized leadership development program.
• Chairing committees or organizational initiatives (100+ hours annually).

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience working with state of Minnesota and/or federal legislative bodies and processes.
• Experience representing an organization in highly visible policy or political environment.
• Experience evaluating legislation for operational, fiscal, or policy impact.
• Experience advising public sector agency leadership on policy considerations.
• Strong communication skills in political risk assessment and message framing.
• Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Organizational Leadership, or related field.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does require travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
• MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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.