• This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month.

The Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan is seeking a motivated and dedicated policy professional to serve as a Policy Advisor for transportation, agriculture, and veteran’s issue.

This position advises and supports the Governor on legislative and policy matters related to transportation, agriculture, and veteran’s issues by working collaboratively with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and other government entities as needed. This position also works collaboratively with lawmakers, stakeholders, and advocacy groups on issues affecting the policy portfolio.

The Governor’s Office will be filling one (1) vacancy in the Policy department at either the Policy Advisor or Senior Policy Advisor level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. Please make certain that your resume and cover letter reflect all required competencies and experience as listed for the classification level that you are interested in applying for.

Salary:

Senior Policy Advisor Salary: $113,545

Policy Advisor Salary: $99, 243

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy Advisor:

• Managing the policy and budget issues for this portfolio.

• Advising the Governor on policy, regulatory and legislative matters related to the portfolio.

• Responding to policy issues and tracking key legislation.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for legislators on issues related to the policy portfolio.

• Negotiate with legislators, and stakeholders on legislation pertaining the portfolio.

• Review legislation that has been passed and advise the Governor whether to sign or veto legislation.

• Develop policy and budget initiatives with commissioners and leadership teams from relevant state agencies.

• Serve as key point of contact to state agencies for the Governors’ office.

• Identify and proactively manage crises related to the portfolio.

• Work collaboratively with agency commissioners and their senior team to move the Governor agenda.

• Mediate discussions between agencies, and if a resolution cannot be agreed upon, engage senior staff.

• Work with interagency leads on development of cross agency initiatives.

• Work with state agencies to monitor implementation of laws and rules.

• Review rulemaking documents from agencies as needed.

• Meet with stakeholders, both proactively and reactively.

Senior Policy Advisor:

• Performs theses duties at an advanced level, while directly supervising a small team of Policy Advisors.

• Assist with research and drafting of executive orders.

• Assist with the development and implementation of task forces, councils and commissions.

• Assist with the appointments process by reviewing and providing recommendations to the Governor.

• Assist with preparation of materials for press related activities.

• Assist in the creation and implementation of outreach plans for announcements.
• Advance and staff the Governor at meetings and events when appropriate.

• Assist in public engagement with constituent inquiries.

• Assist in writing and reviewing constituent letters.

• Provide recommendations on scheduling requests.

• Lead or assist with the facilitation of decision-making processes for the Governor.

• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Knowledge of state government functions and structures.

• Consistently strong written work product and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to organize, evaluate and present information efficiently.

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

• Demonstrated ability to perform research and critical analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information.

• Demonstrated effective time management and ability to work to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and prepare for upcoming events and outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to work as collaboratively across different departments.

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of either transportation, agriculture, or veterans' policy.

• Familiarity with the Minnesota Legislature.

• Positive relationships with relevant legislators, stakeholders, community groups and/or other leaders in the policy arena.

• Advanced degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Law or similar field OR at least four years of advanced professional experience in a related field.

• Senior Policy Advisor
• Supervisory Experience

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.