AMC is seeking a Human Services Policy Analyst to help support our government relations work and promote our legislative priorities and platform at the Minnesota Legislature, specifically in the areas of human services policy. As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, AMC promotes quality county governance through legislative advocacy, education and training, and research and best practices for all 87 Minnesota counties. Our work is guided by our Core Values: Leading the Way, Meeting Members’ Needs, and Stronger Together. We offer competitive pay and benefits, a positive work environment with great people, and hybrid work options.

The position will also direct the work of the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA) in partnership with the current MACCSA Program Manager. MACCSA is a statewide association made up of county public social service directors that promotes quality and effective human services throughout the state that positively impact residents and clients throughout the State. MACSSA holds several institutional values surrounding equity, improving the lives of others, fiscal and collective responsibility, continuous learning/improvement, and empowering individuals and a county workforce.

Intrigued? Read on for more details about the role and application process.

POSITION OVERVIEW
This position will manage the Association of Minnesota Counties’ (AMC) human services policy portfolio and will also serve as the Director for the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA).
• Serves on a team of nine AMC policy analysts and reports to the AMC Government Relations Deputy Director.
• Supervises the MACSSA Program Manager.
• Serves as the Director for the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA) and works in partnership with the MACCSA Program Manager to assist the affiliate with all legislative and relevant affiliate duties. Is accountable to the MACSSA Executive Committee for these responsibilities.
• Is an integral part of the AMC Public Health and Human Services “policy team” composed of the Child Wellbeing Policy Analyst, Public Health Analyst, and Human Services Policy Analyst (this
position posting) to effectively synergize cross-sector policy interests and run AMC’s Public Health and Human Services Policy Committee which meets throughout the year.
• Requirements are flexible and dynamic and will change to reflect current needs and conditions with AMC and MACSSA.
• Requires abnormal and extended hours during peak hours of the legislative session, AMC’s membership conferences, as well as district meetings and special events.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of four years’ experience in local government, public policy, or government relations/lobbying. Two additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

• Legislative or lobbying experience highly desired along with education or professional experience related to human service delivery, social services, mental health or a related field. Most importantly, a qualified candidate should display an interest in the human services public policy portfolio and be willing to expand knowledge through proactive learning, membership engagement, and hands-on work.

• A valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Ability to travel independently by car throughout Minnesota is required. Overnight travel is required occasionally.

In addition, a successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
• Willingness to dig into complex and, at times, controversial policy issues with an interest in hearing different perspectives and trying to forge a collaborative solution.

• Commitment to developing and maintaining productive relationships with relevant state agencies and their designated leads, legislators, and advocacy organizations.

• Interest in working with both political parties and association members from urban, suburban, and rural Minnesota and a desire to forge new professional relationships that assist in the advocacy of Association priorities.

• Committed to MACSSA organizational values of promoting respectful, fair and inclusive treatment of all while recognizing racial, economic, geographic, and gender differences can create unique and unequal experiences.

• Willing to be present and work non-traditional hours during legislative session and travel around the state to interact with membership and learn more about county operations and policies.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work with and adapt to all kinds of people. Research experience helpful.

• Value teamwork and being part of a broader policy team, coordinate with other team members on shared issue areas, and be willing to assist colleagues/the policy team when needed and furthers Association’s goals and priorities.

• Be proficient with technology including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and Zoom.

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES
• Manage and coordinate the Association’s human services policy portfolio through collaboration with county affiliate groups and the AMC Public Health and Human Service Policy Committee, composed of elected county commissioners and staff from throughout the State.

• Provide organizational leadership and advance MACSSA’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.

• Conduct research and analysis on a variety of topics related to human services, social services administration and delivery models, delivery of mental health, disability and waiver services and more while also responding to membership requests and inquiries.

• Represent the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC), Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA) and maintain active registration with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board as a lobbyist for AMC and MACSSA.
• Monitor legislation for any possible impact upon the operations of county government and social services directors as it relates to the human services portfolio.

• Engage with legislators, legislative staff, and Revisor’s Office to assist in drafting legislation and amendments.

• Provide testimony at the Legislature on important legislative initiatives and in response to legislation that may negatively impact county operations, services, and/or members.

• Assist in identifying county testifiers and writing testimony/remarks for hearings, legislative meetings, and press engagements.

• Manage MACSSA’s external lobbying contracts.

• Maintain cooperation with other professional societies, associations, and state agencies on policy issues and legislative programs of joint interest.

• Participate in AMC membership communications, which includes but is not limited to, press releases, weekly legislative updates, membership Zoom updates, articles, presentations, and reports.

• Serve as public speaker for the Association and county government.

• Help create and manage relevant program content at AMC and MACSSA conferences.

• Coordinate and work alongside MACSSA Program Manager to meet Association needs/goals.

• Perform other duties if necessary or requested.

AMC offers competitive benefits and a positive working environment. Starting salary dependent on qualifications but expected to be between $85,000-$105,000. This position is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but the first screening of applications will occur on October 3, 2025.

Submit resume, letter of application and salary requirement to amc@mncounties.org.
Donna Haupert, Administrative Associate
Association of Minnesota Counties
125 Charles Avenue St. Paul MN 55103-2108
amc@mncounties.org