Position Purpose : To provide administrative and organizational support to the Deputy Chief of Staff for External Relations and the External Relations Manager. The person in this position will work to coordinate with all departments in the Governor’s Office to manage annual events and stakeholder relationships in order to advance the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s agenda. The person in this position reports to the External Relations Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the work of the Deputy Chief of Staff for External Relations by managing their schedule, drafting briefing memos and presentations, and coordinating cross department efforts.

• Track, coordinate, and participate in outreach to key stakeholder groups across the Governor’s Office and Executive Branch – particularly as it relates to organized labor, the business community, and local elected officials.

• Respond to key constituent inquiries via mail, email, phone, and in-person meetings, ensuring timely, accurate, and courteous communication.

• Develop and lead the outreach strategy to a subset of External Relations Department stakeholders.

• Assist in organizing large-scale public events including the State of the State Address, Tribal Summit, Governor’s Openers, and other similar events as they arise.

• Attend events in support of the Governor and Lt. Governor – working across departments, and in close contact with the event organizers – prior to the events.

• Attend events relevant to the External Relations Department stakeholders to assist in advancing the Administration’s agenda.

• Advance events the Governor or Lt. Governor are attending. Work closely with the Executive Operations team to communicate onsite event details and expectations.

• Travel to locations across Minnesota to advance events the Governor or Lt. Governor are attending. This may be hours ahead of the event and may include overnight travel.

• Manage the Governor or Lt. Governor’s movement through event spaces and large crowds, interact appropriately with constituents as needed, and organize photo opportunities with constituents as appropriate.
• Develop briefing materials for the Governor and Lt. Governor regarding events relevant to the External Relations Department – while working in close collaboration with the Scheduling, Policy, Public Engagement, and Communications Departments.

• Work collaboratively with all departments within the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of state government functions and structures.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to organize, evaluate and present information efficiently.

• Ability to interpret laws, rules, policies, and procedures relative to the work.

• Ability to perform research and critical analysis.

• Ability to maintain confidential information.

• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively across different departments.

• Deeply believes that racial equity and inclusion are important and is driven to act on this belief.

• Recognizes ways that race and other identities intersect and play out, especially within the communities contacting the Governor’s office.

• Understands the historical context for racial inequity and its present-day implications in Minnesota.

• Continually able to listen, reflect, and act on feedback regarding equity and inclusion with the aim to learn.

• Strong project management skills.

• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal day-to-day close supervision.

• Exceptional organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, quick decision-making skills, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to build consensus and cultivate strong relationships.

• Keen knowledge of a wide variety of cross sections in the Governor/Lt. Governor’s Office including; scheduling process, staffing and advancing, communications, policy, and current public relations issues/climate.

• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends.

• Desire to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans, expand economic opportunity for all, and ensure that every child receives a high-quality education and is given the chance to succeed, regardless of their race or zip code.

• Commitment to equity and inclusion and a passion for working collaboratively across lines of difference to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.

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.
• 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.

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

To be considered for this exciting opportunity with the Walz-Flanagan Administration, please submit your cover letter and resume to: gov.careers@state.mn.us.