Legistative Coordinator

WHO WE ARE

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council , the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.

More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region :

The Legislative Coordinator provides support to the Government Affairs and Community Relations departments at the Met Council.

For Government Affairs, this position provides legislative assistance in the form of monitoring legislative hearings and bill introductions, coordinating bill reviews, and communicating about legislative activities to a variety of stakeholders.

This work is mostly done during the legislative session (approximately November / December through May / June). For Community Relations, this position provides support to Metropolitan Council Members and ensures that Council Members are prepared for external meetings.

This work is mostly done when the legislature is not in session (approximately May / June through November / December).

What you would do in this job

Government Affairs Support

• Track legislative committee work and bill reviews.
• Monitor legislative hearings to track the progress of bills and topics of relevance to the Met Council.
• Update the bill tracker to keep internal staff informed about the status of bills.
• Review bill introductions and coordinate bill reviews for bills that would impact the Council's operations and / or statutory responsibilities.
• Draft updates about legislative hearings and bills for various audiences, including the Governor's office, Council Members, and key Council staff.
• Coordinate materials regarding Council initiatives to inform external audiences about Council initiatives and existing programs and operations.
• Coordinate submittal of Council-led reports to the legislature.
• Assist with compiling information requested from external partners regarding Council proposals and activities.
• Track constituent inquiries from legislators and legislative staff and coordinate responses with internal Subject Matter Experts.

Community Relations Support

• Support Metropolitan Council Members in their work throughout the region.
• Support tours and events for policymakers and other partners and stakeholders.
• Support Council Member nomination, on-boarding and off-boarding processes.
• Attend meetings with and on behalf of Council members, when appropriate.
• Prepare briefings ahead of meetings with local governments and community organizations for Council members.
• Review and synthesize reports and research prepared by internal and external partners regarding topics of interest to Council Members.
• Coordinate the preparation of event materials including presentations, talking points, and other handouts.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in public affairs, public administration, political science, communications, legal studies or closely related field) and experience (in government, public or community relations, community organizing, supporting a public official, policy research and analysis, or closely related field) :

• High school diploma / GED with six years of experience
• Associate degree with four years of experience
• Bachelor's degree with two years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications) :

• Experience working with or at the Minnesota state legislature, preferably for a legislative committee
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have :

• Knowledge of how the Minnesota state government is organized.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and how the legislature functions.
• Knowledge of issues facing the metropolitan region.
• Skills in Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint), Teams, and SharePoint.
• Skills in effective communication and preparing reports, presentations, speeches, and talking points.
• Ability to work with a policy board and / or public officials (elected or appointed).
• Ability to prepare clear and concise summaries of complex policies and programs.
• Ability to effectively and credibly communicate complex issues / problems with Council Members, staff, and the public.
• Ability to understand how legislative proposals may impact the Met Council.
• Ability to track and synthesize legislative hearings, Council meetings, and meetings with external partners.
• Ability to write research reports, memos, or briefings to inform Council Members and staff about an existing or emerging issue.

What you can expect from us :

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work / life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union / Grade : AFSCME / Grade F

FLSA Status : Non-exempt

Safety Sensitive : No

What your work environment would be :

You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves :

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then :

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history.

A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail.

The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files / databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.

A driving record check and / or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT : If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email [email protected] .