To view the full job details, selection process and apply, visit: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/minneapolismn/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=2800502

Salary Range: $135,356.00 - $160,455.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Continuous (The City of Minneapolis will accept applications for this position until the position is filled. Priority will be given to those who submit an application by Friday, July 10, 2020.)

Position Description

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose--serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The Director of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) serves as the City's chief intergovernmental relations spokesperson responsible for developing, managing, directing, and implementing the City's officially adopted federal and regional legislative agenda at the State, Federal and Regional levels by coordinating all legislative and government relations activities. 

The City of Minneapolis will accept applications for this position until the position is filled. Priority will be given to those who submit an application by Friday, July 10, 2020.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct the development and approval of the City’s annual legislative agenda and policies in collaboration with policy makers and city staff.
• Implement the City’s annual legislative agenda and policies with IGR staff and contacted firms that includes working with legislators and staff, coordinating testimony of city officials, proposing and negotiating proposed legislation or state agency rules or programs with elected officials and interested parties, and advising elected officials and staff on policy matters.
• Staff the City Council’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Responsible in collaboration with the Committee chair for finalizing meeting agenda, speakers, presentations and official actions.
• Serve as liaison to the Mayor and City Council, legislators, the Governor’s Office, state department leadership and partners including the City’s legislative and Metropolitan Council delegations throughout the year on policy issues and programs.
• Direct staff research of public policy issues and recommend policy positions to be adopted as part of the state legislative, federal and regional policies by the City Council.
• Serve on or lead multi-departmental work groups directed by the City Council to study issues such as minimum wage, sick and safe time, short term rentals, affordable housing, community action programs, public arts funding, economic development and pension reform. Work includes drafting a report and presenting it to the City Council and Mayor.
• Manage the IGR department: recruit and supervise staff; develop an annual budget; publish a weekly newsletter during the legislative session; assess department and staff performance; ensure compliance with state and city ethics laws related to lobbyists.
• Serve on the board or policy committees of Metro Cities, League of Minnesota Cities and Meet Minneapolis.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, city planning, social work, sociology or other related area.

Experience: 5 years of experience dealing with public policy development and implementation at the local, regional, state and federal levels; public finance; interpersonal relations; government structures and analyzing policy through an equity lens.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must register as a lobbyist with the Minneapolis Campaign Finance Board and file annual reports to the Board and the Minnesota State Auditor.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Federal, State and Local legislative processes and the metropolitan governance system.
• Experience drafting legislation and supportive materials.
• Through knowledge of Federal and State grant processes and of the complex public policy issues facing local governments and the City of Minneapolis.
• Good understanding of public sector values, ethics and efforts to improve service to the public and an understanding and sense of value towards the political process.
• Ability to deal effectively with people regardless of their personal beliefs or political values.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, stress and uncontrollable schedules.
• Ability to influence direction and decisions without direct control of outcomes.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that may have major ramifications quickly in a politically sensitive environment.
• Skilled in directing and coordinating multiple complex lobbying strategies worth millions of dollars to the City at the Federal, State and Local level.
• Excellent oral and written communication skill.