Legislative Affairs Director - Planner Principal State

Job Details

Working Title: Legislative Affairs Director
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Rare Disease Advisory Council

• Job ID: 92920
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time, 32 hours per week.
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/18/2026
• Closing Date: 04/08/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Rare Disease Advisory Council
• Division/Unit: Rare Disease Advisory Council/Executive Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50%
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $53,913 - $79,472 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Rare Disease Council is looking for their next Legislative Affairs Director! This position provides agency-wide leadership, management and stewardship over the council’s policy and budgetary legislative priorities. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing leadership, management, direction, coordination, and consultation to secure the agency biennial general fund appropriation, including fiscal notes, and to administer the public policy initiatives for the agency’s human and civil rights public policy program.

This work is achieved by preparing reports to state lawmakers, briefing packages, budget recommendations, and positioning information. The incumbent coordinates agency statements to legislators, legislative staff, and the governor’s office, and ensures effective relationships are established and maintained with the legislature and governor’s office so that agency's human and civil rights public policy program is successful. There will also be communications responsibilities for newsletters or social media copy to share relevant and critical issues around the legislative process or initiatives with partners and the public.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance will be required for team members or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

Please note this position works 32 hours per week which qualifies for the full-time employee benefits contribution. If you are interested in learning about our insurance benefits, please visit SEGIP / State of Minnesota for more details.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience working with the Minnesota rare disease community and/or government, public relations, or another related field.
• Experience with financial and budgetary management.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships.

Minimum qualifications accessed during the interview:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public policy analysis and development.
• Knowledge of the barriers, issues, and areas of importance to the rare disease community of Minnesota.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and manage complex projects that deliver high stakes results in potentially controversial environments.
• Effective communication skills to provide direction to staff, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and interpret and communicate complex information.

An associate's degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, law, or a related degree may substitute for 6 months of experience.

A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, law, or a related degree may substitute for 12 months of experience.

A master’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, business administration, law, or a related degree may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing legislative projects in politically sensitive environments.
• Experience working in state government or with legislative committees, especially in health and human services or rare disease policy.
• Experience advising on media opportunities, public relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass background and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, and insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us or 651-201-2393.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Matthew Leo at matthew.leo@state.mn.us.

About The MN Rare Disease Advisory Council

The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council is an executive branch state agency that advocates for the one in 10 Minnesotans affected by rare diseases. Our mission is to provide advice on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to rare diseases. We envision a world where every individual living with a rare disease has access to timely diagnosis, coordinated and expert care, and effective treatments over their lifetime.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.