Director of Government Relations (MPL)

About the role

Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the Director of Government Relations navigates the communication channels and bureaucracy of state and local government. The Director of Government Relations attends sessions at the State Capitol and state and local governments; monitors, provides coverage, and reports back to department regarding current events; writes briefings, memos, newsletters and client communications; and coordinates meetings with government officials and clients. Travel is expected between both offices and other locations as deemed necessary. The job operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines; requires talking and hearing, sitting, using hands and fingers to handle or feel, occasional standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; regularly lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds; and requires close vision.

Responsibilities

• Communication (40%): Develop and implement communication plans; Draft and submit timely client updates, legislative summaries, fact sheets, newsletters and alerts; Complete research and writing assignments on a variety of client-related topics and issues.
• Lobbying Activities (50%): Monitor and report on legislative committee activities and hearings; Organize lobbying activities during legislative sessions and the interim; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, members of the Minnesota legislature and their staff, state executive and agency personnel, and coalition partners; Represent clients in meetings with legislative staff, executive officials and numerous advocacy organizations; Analyze and interpret legislation that impacts clients; Assist firm clients in the administration of association activities; Coordinate client communications efforts such as news alerts and newsletters; Monitor and provide coverage of activities at the Minnesota Legislature by attending hearings at the State Capitol; tracking, analyzing, and interpreting legislation; reporting current events to the government relations team and writing brief updates.
• General and Administrative (10%): Performs other duties as assigned.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Government Affairs, Public Policy, Law or related field. 5 years or more of government relations experience required.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to mult