State Program Administrator Director - Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Job summary

State of Minnesota, Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) is seeking a Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director to oversee legislative activities and outreach, aligning policies with the long-term governance of TRA. This role requires leadership across internal and external stakeholders, managing budgets and education efforts related to pension services.

The incumbent will coordinate with the Governor’s Office, MMB, Legislature, and related agencies, representing TRA in policy

Qualifications

• Four years of progressive work experience in government relations, legislative affairs, and/or stakeholder outreach.
• A related bachelor's degree can substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience in leadership or supervisory roles guiding others and motivating teams.
• Experience in collecting and evaluating programmatic data to inform decisions and improve SOPs.
• Ability to understand complex state and federal financial and retirement laws and data privacy requirements.
• Ability to monitor and advise on public policy topics, bills, and laws.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple high-priority legislative projects.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct legislative activities and stakeholder outreach.
• Coordinate TRA’s government relations and policy functions with state and federal entities.
• Lead the biennial policy and budget development and enactment process.
• Manage employer, member, and external stakeholder outreach and education.
• Travel throughout Minnesota up to 50% as required.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Policy knowledge

Public policy

Organizational skills

Communication

Stakeholder relations

Nonpartisan environment

MS Office

Cisco WebEx

Education

Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public/Business Administration, Political Science, or related field

Advanced degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public/Business Administration, Political Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Cisco WebEx

Job description

State Program Administrator Director - Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director

Working Title: Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association (TRA)

• Job ID: 97485
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/05/2026
• Closing Date: 10/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / Teachers Retirement Asc-MMA
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50%
• Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA

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.

Job Summary

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been administering pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates who have exceptional knowledge of government process and a strong background in building solid professional relationships with colleagues, customers, and community partners for our Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director role.

Our Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director position exists to oversee and direct legislative activities, internal and external stakeholder outreach, and statutory initiatives that are central to the governance, administration, and long-term sustainability of the TRA. The Government Relations & Outreach Director provides leadership, management, and coordination of TRA’s government relations and policy functions with the Governor’s office, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), members of the Minnesota Legislature and staff, the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR), members of the Minnesota’s congressional delegation and staff, and other appropriate state and federal government agencies. The incumbent represents TRA in legislative matters by providing policy direction, coordinating legislative initiatives and budgets, and advancing interests of the organization. The position also plays a leadership and decision-making role in the TRA biennial policy and budget-setting process from development to enactment. Management of all employer, member, and external special interest group outreach and education is further required of the role, in order to ensure these groups are well informed of new legislation impacts, as well as to ensure TRA is well informed of all internal and external stakeholder legislative initiatives and agendas.

This position is located at our St. Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes regular in-office work in order to perform the essential job duties. Substantial business travel will be required throughout Minnesota, up to 50%.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of progressive work experience in government relations, legislative affairs, and/or stakeholder outreach.

A Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Work experience must also demonstrate the following:

• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others. Leadership can include training staff, acting as a lead worker, and/or serving as a high-level subject matter expert of a complex program.
• Experience in collecting and evaluating programmatic data in order to inform decision-making, streamline operational workflows, and enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support organizational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex state and federal financial and/or retirement laws and regulations, as well as state government data privacy requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Proven ability to monitor, review, analyze, and advise on public policy topics, legislative bills, and/or laws.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to successfully lead, manage, and deliver multiple high-priority legislative projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate and consult on complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences (e.g., Executive Management, the TRA Board of Trustees, legislators, etc).
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, as well as foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• Ability to work in a nonpartisan environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Cisco WebEx, and/or various equivalent software platforms.

Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for substantial business travel throughout Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications

An Advanced Degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field.

Managerial or supervisory experience within a public sector environment.

Experience working in a government entity that provides financial or pension services.

In-depth knowledge of Minnesota’s legislative process.

Knowledge of pension and/or retirement plan design, function, and administration.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing comprehensive organizational stakeholder outreach strategies and presenting to executive boards.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check.

It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employee Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification

If you have questions about the position or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at [e-mail].

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

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.

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location.

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.