The Minnesota Business Partnership leverages the knowledge and experience of more than 110 CEOS and senior executives from Minnesota’s largest employers. We analyze our state’s challenges with a long-term, global view, and we make recommendations to strengthen Minnesota’s economy and quality of life. www.MNBP.com

POSITION:           Director of Education Policy

REPORTS TO:      Executive Director

ORGANIZATION: Minnesota Business Partnership

SUMMARY:         The Director of Education Policy is responsible for the development and implementation of overall strategic policy for issues related to education (pre-k to higher education) for a statewide organization composed of the CEOs of Minnesota’s largest employers. Primary constituents include members and their delegates to the Partnership, education and workforce organizations, state lawmakers, opinion leaders, the broader business community and the public. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manage the MBP Education Policy Committee: Consult with committee chair and members to develop legislative agenda priorities and non-legislative opportunities.  Provide committee members with issue updates as appropriate.  Organize two to four committee meetings per year.
2. Manage the selection and award process for annual Minnesota’s Future Award which annually recognizes schools and organizations that are making substantial and sustained progress in closing student achievement gaps. 
3. Develop and implement legislative strategies to advance/oppose priority legislation, including providing public testimony at legislative committees and other venues.
4. Represent MBP’s interests by maintaining strong relationships with other education stakeholders and education organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Education, legislators, MBP Members and Deputies. Help identify and develop agenda and activities on issues of MBP interest with the goal of translating polices to Minnesota practices and laws.
5. Develop relationships with community organizations and groups to determine the effectiveness of the current education system and identify needed improvements (including non-legislative strategies).
6. Represent MBP members through state, regional and local task forces and advisory groups (e.g. development of state plan to comply with federal ESSA, advisory council for Great MN Schools).
7. Develop relationships with members of the media to act as a resource and share MBP member perspective.
8. Provide timely and concise information for Executive Director and Communications Director for media opportunities and MBP Board presentations.
9. Perform other duties as requested.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field.

Experience: Seasoned professional with a minimum of three years of public policy experience. Understanding of the legislative process.

Skills:

1. Excellent writing and verbal communications.
2. Excellent interpersonal communications skills and the demonstrated ability to use good judgment and maturity to interact with MBP staff, business leaders, public affairs professionals, lawmakers, agency staff, outside organizations and the media.
3. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
4. Ability to work well under pressure and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
5. Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
6. Experience using a variety of social media tools in a professional setting.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Competitive benefit package; salary commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION:

Submit resume and cover letter to mnbp@mnbp.com

Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Friday September 20, 2019