Description

Hennepin County's Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) department is seeking a Deputy Director to lead and supervise department and countywide legislative and policy advocacy work for Health and Human Services. This position will supervise public health, human services, and health systems lobbying team, including contract lobbyists. This position will also oversee external engagement strategy with health systems and state/federal agencies, provide support in developing annual budget and strategic goals, and represent the Director and act in their absence.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program. 

Location and hours:

This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487, and remote as job duties require. During the legislative session, the position requires near daily presence in and around the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155. Work hours will typically be Monday through Friday during core business hours with the ability to work after hours during the legislative session as needed.

While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment.  

About the position:
This is a full time, benefit earning position. 

This position is internally classified as a Department Administrator, Senior. Click here to view the job classification specification.

Note: You must include a cover letter and resume as part of your application materials to be considered for this position.    

In this position, you will:

• Represent the Director, in their absence, in internal and external committee project responsibilities.
• Serve as primary point of contact for all lobbying related to health systems and human services at the state and federal levels.
• Lead development of legislative strategies and advise the health systems and human services lines of business and their departments on policy initiatives.
• Work with counties in Minnesota and around the nation to develop joint advocacy plans to advance Hennepin County’s health systems and human services policy and finance goals.
• Supervise public health, human services, and health systems lobbying team, including contract lobbyists.
• Collaborate with the Director on annual IGR budget and budget submission.
• Organize Legislative Policy and Analysis Committee (LPAC) in support of countywide health systems and human services policy agenda.
• Advise leaders on how to position the organization ahead of trends and to adopt/leverage best practices in administering the social safety net.
• Serve as IGR’s Health and Human Services liaison to the National Association of Counties (NACo), Association of Minnesota Counties (and its affiliates), Minnesota Association of County Social Services Administrators (MACSSA), Minnesota Inter-County Association (MICA), and other local government and trade associations, including drafting positions for their legislative proposals that align with Hennepin County legislative needs.
• Provide leadership to further department-based strategies that align with county goals, mission and core values for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Ten years or more of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration or other field appropriate to the position and six years of program administration experience in government or an organization closely related to government.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel within the Twin Cities and occasionally throughout Minnesota.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Working in a state or federal legislative session.
  • With health and human services policies.
  • Working with coalitions on legislative and policy issues.
  • Supervising a team. 
• Knowledge of:
  • Applicable laws and regulations.
  • Legislative process and protocols.
• Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, other interest groups, state and federal legislators, and local and state elected or appointed government officials.
  • Lead work groups and teams to achieve favorable results.
  • Prepare background and analysis of health and human services issues.
  • Exercise discretion.
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to express complex and technical ideas clearly and concisely.
• Strong computer skills.
• Experience or education around addressing racial equity, gender equity, LGBTQIA equity, neurodiversity equity, differing ability equity.

About the department:
Intergovernmental Relations coordinates the development of the county's legislative proposals and actively pursues the legislative platform approved by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.  IGR coordinates the county's lobbying activities with federal, state and local governments. 

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that reduce disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. 
 
Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).
 
Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
 
Your future. Made here.
 
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Watch this video for application best practices and tips. 

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a background check. 

If you have questions, please contact:
Pajoua Chang
Pajoua.Chang@hennepin.us