Job Details

Working Title: Director of Legislation & External Affairs
Job Class: Human Services Program Coordinator
Agency: Children Youth & Families Dept

• Job ID: 80378
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously.Bidders will be considered through 9/26/2024.
• Date Posted: 09/20/2024
• Closing Date: 10/03/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Children Youth & Families Dept / DCYF Central Office MAPE
• Division/Unit: DCYF/ Equity and External Relations Division/Government Relations
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $39.34 - $58.47 / hourly; $82,141 - $122,085 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCYF does not participate in E-Verify.

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.
In the 2023 legislative session, the Governor’s Office, Minnesota legislature, and leaders for children and families worked in partnership to pass legislation establishing the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to create a sustainable, public face for children’s issues in state government. This new cabinet-level agency brings together programs centered on children and families, including child care and early learning, child support, child safety and permanency, economic support and food assistance, and youth opportunity. Formerly a part of the Department of Human Services, the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Agency became effective on July 1, 2024.

Job Summary

• Directing the legislative agenda for assigned administration(s) and division(s).
• Leading major policy change initiatives.
• Providing leadership and mentoring for division-level staff and legislative coordinators/leads and directing their work to develop strategic policy and budget proposals.
• Managing and improving stakeholder relations.

Qualifications

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, day and year for each job held.**
Four (4) years of professional experience managing or leading policy efforts and/or a legislative program. Experience must include:

• Understanding of strategic planning and state legislative and budget processes.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes and regulations governing programs administered by assigned administration(s) and division(s).
• Practical understanding of human services delivery systems that including inter-relationship be between counties, the state, service providers, and various internal and external stakeholders, and how these relationships impact planning efforts.
• Strong writing skills, including experience drafting legislation.
• Experience working directly with legislators, legislative staff, and lobbyists on policy and budget matters
• Experience with public speaking that includes answering questions from the audience, courtroom experience, and/or providing testimony before a legislative body.
• Organizing and synthesizing materials prepared by many authors into a single, coherent document.
• Project management that includes advanced facilitation, tracking project progress, and presenting results and deliverables to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong human relations, engagement, and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing to respond openly to requests and concerns.
• Knowledge of policy and procedures related to programs managed by DCYF, and of government functions and relations.
• Lived experience in a community more often utilizing human services programs, or passion and experience working with communities most impacted by human services and early education programs.
• Advanced degree or a JD in an area related to public policy, public administration, planning or organizational development or a related field.

Additional Requirements

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DCYF will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Jennifer Sommerfeld at jennifer sommerfeld@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Amy John at amy.john@state.mn.us.
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Children Youth & Families Dept

Together, we’re working to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs, and practices.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.