Open Position: Governmental Affairs Specialist/Lobbyist

POSITION TITLE: Governmental Affairs Specialist/Lobbyist

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Governmental and Community Relations

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under MNA’s Director of Governmental and Community Relations, MNA’s Governmental Affairs Specialist will work to promote and achieve the legislative and regulatory priorities of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). This position requires advocating a broad portfolio of issues, including, but not limited to healthcare, nursing practice, social justice and labor and will collaborate with a team of other professionals across the organization to plan, implement and evaluate key priorities set by the MNA Board of Directors and Governmental Affairs Commission. This position primarily works to further goals on the state and local level, but occasional federal lobbying may be necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and government decision makers;
  • Monitor and track legislation; analyze potential impacts and make recommendations on positions;
  • Research, outline and draft potential legislation;
  • Communicate MNA positions to policymakers, members, the media, and allies;
  • Write and deliver testimony before various legislative committees;
  • Collaborate with internal departments to manage relationships among members, stakeholder groups, and state legislators;
  • Develop and maintain relationships and coalitions with other labor unions and allied organizations;
  • Coordinate and attend policy-related events, including, but not limited to, legislator/member visits, day on the hill, and in district meetings with elected officials and nurses;
  • Participate in coordinated electoral campaigns;
  • Attend events and fundraisers held by elected officials and allies;
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

  • 3 years’ experience interacting with the Minnesota legislature and/or executive branch or in a role requiring public policy development, advocacy, or lobbying at the local, state, or federal level;
  • Knowledge of administrative, legislative, and regulatory practices;
  • Experience and ability to establish and maintain relationships with elected officials;
  • Demonstrated ability to draft and analyze bills and amendments;
  • Ability to strategically navigate and advise on Minnesota’s political climate;
  • Research and analytical skills in the areas of legislation, administration, and rulemaking;
  • Experience developing relationships and collaborating with elected officials and administrative departments;
  • Understanding of legislative bodies and administrative agency processes, with a focus on the state of Minnesota;
  • Skills in facilitating meetings both in person and virtually;
  • Aptitude in advancing health equity and social justice policies;
  • Automobile and valid driver’s license;
  • Ability to travel, and to work nights and weekends on occasion.

PREFERRED:

  • Previous testimony or public speaking experience;
  • Experience within unions and/or healthcare;
  • Ability to educate others on behalf of organizational priorities and on the process of legislation and political action;
  • Knowledge of healthcare scope of practice;
  • Motivated initiative-taker who can learn without heavy supervision;
  • Ability to think strategically and meet deadlines;
  • Experience in project management, organizing, and cross departmental collaboration;
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask, use databases and technology;
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects and teams;
  • Proven success in high-paced and time sensitive projects;
  • Other combinations of education and experience which could provide the necessary knowledge, and skills will be evaluated individually.

SALARY:

Per MNASO Local 1, Unit 2 Contract Agreement. Starting salary of $84,656, dependent on experience, with generous benefits including defined benefit pension, 401K matching, 100% employer paid single and low-cost family health insurance coverage, 20 vacation, 12 sick, and 3 personal days along with 12 paid holidays annually. MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (2 days at home/3 days in office) upon passage of probation.

CONTACT:

Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Brenda Woodall at Brenda.Woodall@mnnurses.org