Government Relations Director - State Program Administrator Manager

Working Title: Government Relations Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: Office of Cannabis Management

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted : 09/15/2023
• Closing Date : 10/05/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Office of Cannabis Management
• Division/Unit : Government Relations Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $36.52 - $52.79 / hourly; $76,253 - $110,225 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial Plan
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position will direct and manage the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) legislative budget and policy activities on behalf of the OCM Director This position will:

• Provide advice and counsel to the OCM Director and senior staff in all legislative matters.
• Serve as liaison between OCM and the legislature, other state agencies and numerous stakeholders.
• Communicate OCM’s position to lawmakers through briefings, budget recommendations, position statements and committee testimony.
• Draft positions on cannabis as it affects Minnesota agriculture and business.

This position is locatd in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three years of government affairs or legislative experience that includes demonstrated experience in developing initiatives or strategies around government affairs topics and/or external stakeholder work.

A bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Additional required experience includes:

• Knowledge and experience with the state legislative process.
• Ability to translate information into succinct, persuasive communication sufficient to effectively advocate for agency policy goals and positions.
• Ability to effectively communicate highly technical information to unfamiliar audiences in plain, understandable language.
• Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of regulatory issues, applicable regulatory laws and rules, state and federal agency requirements, and common regulatory practice to evaluate alternative actions and communicate relevant information.

Experience presenting to both large and small audiences.

Extensive knowledge of local and state government and the legislative process.

Direct experience in government or legislative affairs.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Office of Cannabis Management, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How to Apply

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

If you have questions about the position, contact Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us or 651-201-5780.

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 Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.

About the Office of Cannabis Management

Be a part of building the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) from the ground up and supporting Minnesota’s new cannabis industry. The OCM will serve as the primary regulatory agency for the state’s new and expanding cannabis industry, (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing lower-potency hemp edibles), issue business licenses, provide education and technical support to new businesses, administer grants to support community reinvestment, and oversee all aspects of the Minnesota’s cannabis industry.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.