Public Policy & Outreach Director

Saint Paul, Minnesota

State of Minnesota
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Working Title: Public Policy & Outreach Director - State Prog Admin Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Human Rights Dept
  • Job ID : 81190
  • Location : St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible : Yes
  • Full/Part Time : Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
  • Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted : 10/22/2024
  • Closing Date : 11/04/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Human Rights Dept / Human Rights-MAPE
  • Division/Unit : MDHR Commissioner
  • Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
  • Days of Work : Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required : Yes (limited within MN)
  • Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / 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 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.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. Our department protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. As the Public Policy & Outreach Director, you will work with MDHR's external relations team, to represent the Department's public policy and outreach work to advance the agency's mission and vision. The Public Policy & Outreach Director will focus on developing and advancing public policy through sustaining relationships between the Department and key stakeholders within State Government and outside of State Government. This person will also complete evaluations of the Department's policies and programs to identify how to better serve Minnesotans. The Public Policy & Outreach Director will also identify and implement opportunities to partner with communities, nonprofits, private entities, local and state government entities, and human rights commissions to identify policy solutions that work to advance the mission and vision of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Hybrid Work Environment and Travel

To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment that varies by team, position, and business needs. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required.

Weekend and evening hours will be required in preparation for and during Minnesota's legislative session. Travel may be required for engagement activities throughout Minnesota. Travel is anticipated about 10% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in this position and commitment to supporting civil rights.

Four (4) years of combined experience demonstrating the following: (A Bachelor's degree or advanced degree may substitute for 1 year of experience.)
  • Development and advancement of public policy.
  • Contribution to legislative activities and knowledge of the legislative process.
  • Leading projects and programs with executive level officials.
  • Analysis of program requirements, policies, regulations, existing procedures, and other guidelines in order to develop and implement improvements.
Applicants who meet the above will be further assessed on the following requirements:
  • Knowledge of or experience engaging with organizations that work on civil rights issues related to the Minnesota Human Rights Act throughout Minnesota.
  • Interpersonal relationship skills to develop and foster authentic relationships with key stakeholders within State Government and across the state of Minnesota.
  • Skill in project and stakeholder management, including the ability to organize and execute work based on project goals, prioritize amidst competing interests, and effectively engage a variety of stakeholders to advance the work.
  • Highly effective written and verbal communication skills - communicating with diverse groups of stakeholders and communities in a way that is clear, inclusive, and professional.
  • Skill in navigating ambiguity, including proactively anticipating barriers and adapting to overcome challenges, innovating, and designing with a user- or customer-focused mindset.
  • Skill in developing and presenting on complex technical topics for primarily non-legal audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in public policy, public administration, communications, legal, or a related field.
  • Experience working with or knowledge of tribal nations and the civil rights areas of interest that impact their communities
  • Experience communicating or developing communications in multiple languages, using interpreters as needed, to promote public policy, education, and outreach efforts.
  • Direct experience working with civil rights issues under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota's Data Practices Act and corresponding data privacy laws.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills.
  • Ability to serve as subject matter expert for complex areas of state and federal civil rights law, especially in the area of education.
  • Demonstrated ability to convey complex legal information in plain language.
  • Deep commitment to promoting civil rights; public policy; and equity, inclusion, and diversity practices.
Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at or email . Please indicate what assistance is needed.

Date Posted: 29 October 2024
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