Ramsey County
Government Relations Specialist (Unclassified)
Ramsey County, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Ramsey County is hiring a Government Relations Specialist within the Government Relations Department.
This position will be working with the county’s Health & Wellness Service team with a focus on health and human services county programming and funding. The ideal candidate will have either background in this area or have a strong desire to build expertise in this policy area. Under the direction of the Government Relations Director, develop, advocate for and present information on county board initiatives and positions; participate in the development and operation of county processes for state and federal government relations functions; assist in the coordination and logistical operation of the legislative program; and perform related duties as assigned. This position is distinguished from the Government Relations Director in that the Government Relations Specialist has less than full responsibility for legislative activities of the county as authorized by the county board, works in collaboration with the Government Relations Director and extends coverage of legislative matters, where the Government Relations Director manages all aspects of the Government Relations function.
The position that is currently open will focus primarily on advancing the county’s legislative priorities in health and human services.
This position is considered non-partisan, and staff are expected to behave in a non-partisan fashion for successful performance in the job.
Flexible Workplace This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Collaborate with the Government Relations Director in the development and implementation of the county board’s annual federal and state legislative platforms, including identification and analysis of county priorities for advocacy. Help to assess the policy impact of a response to proposed legislation affecting the county in coordination with department staff. Prepare summaries, analyses, and updates of state or federal legislation that could impact Ramsey County programs, services, and operations. Work closely with Health & Wellness Service Team on key policy and funding needs at the county. Research and analyze existing or proposed legislation, studies, policies and programs for impact on Ramsey County; develop and present options for consideration by the county board and county leadership, and carry out follow-up activities as directed; and write correspondence or testimony on federal or state legislation as it relates to the county board’s legislative platform. Serve as a resource to work with external organizations in the development of policy positions consistent with the interests of Ramsey County. Lobby and present information on county board legislative initiatives and positions with legislators individually, at committee meetings, public hearings, or as appropriate within and outside of legislative sessions; communicate with all affected parties, both public and private; and provide additional information as needed to support the county’s interests. Participate in the tracking of the progress and status of relevant state and federal legislation and develop related documentation; coordinate the annual distribution of all enacted state legislation to county departments that have primary responsibility for implementation. Represent Ramsey County at meetings with staff from other governmental entities, public and private foundations (i.e., Association of Minnesota Counties, National Association of Counties, and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce). Convene, facilitate, and participate in work teams that develop legislative proposals or policy options related to legislation for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, including directing efforts of staff from other county departments over whom there is no supervisory relationship. Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, policy, political science, government, public affairs, or a related area of study. Experience:
Four years of experience working on intergovernmental and legislative issues. Substitution:
A Master’s Degree in an area of study related to the job may substitute for two years of the required experience. A combination of education and work experience totaling eight years may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement. Certifications/Licensure:
None. This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Interested candidates should apply online by completing the online application prior to the close date listed and attaching a resume and cover letter detailing their experience. Veteran's Preference:
This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks:
All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment. E-Verify Participation:
Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Equal Opportunity Employer:
Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
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Flexible Workplace This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Collaborate with the Government Relations Director in the development and implementation of the county board’s annual federal and state legislative platforms, including identification and analysis of county priorities for advocacy. Help to assess the policy impact of a response to proposed legislation affecting the county in coordination with department staff. Prepare summaries, analyses, and updates of state or federal legislation that could impact Ramsey County programs, services, and operations. Work closely with Health & Wellness Service Team on key policy and funding needs at the county. Research and analyze existing or proposed legislation, studies, policies and programs for impact on Ramsey County; develop and present options for consideration by the county board and county leadership, and carry out follow-up activities as directed; and write correspondence or testimony on federal or state legislation as it relates to the county board’s legislative platform. Serve as a resource to work with external organizations in the development of policy positions consistent with the interests of Ramsey County. Lobby and present information on county board legislative initiatives and positions with legislators individually, at committee meetings, public hearings, or as appropriate within and outside of legislative sessions; communicate with all affected parties, both public and private; and provide additional information as needed to support the county’s interests. Participate in the tracking of the progress and status of relevant state and federal legislation and develop related documentation; coordinate the annual distribution of all enacted state legislation to county departments that have primary responsibility for implementation. Represent Ramsey County at meetings with staff from other governmental entities, public and private foundations (i.e., Association of Minnesota Counties, National Association of Counties, and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce). Convene, facilitate, and participate in work teams that develop legislative proposals or policy options related to legislation for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, including directing efforts of staff from other county departments over whom there is no supervisory relationship. Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, policy, political science, government, public affairs, or a related area of study. Experience:
Four years of experience working on intergovernmental and legislative issues. Substitution:
A Master’s Degree in an area of study related to the job may substitute for two years of the required experience. A combination of education and work experience totaling eight years may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement. Certifications/Licensure:
None. This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Interested candidates should apply online by completing the online application prior to the close date listed and attaching a resume and cover letter detailing their experience. Veteran's Preference:
This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks:
All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment. E-Verify Participation:
Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Equal Opportunity Employer:
Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
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