Government Relations Specialist

Salary : $84,850.48 - $126,038.58 Annually
Location : (Ramsey County Courthouse) Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-00343
Department: 22B01-Government Relations/Admin
Opening Date: 01/04/2024
Closing Date: 1/18/2024 11:59 PM Central
Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the Government Relations department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.
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 to 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.
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. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.
If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Examples of Work Performed

1. 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.
2. Help to assess the policy impact of a response to proposed legislation affecting the county in coordination with department staff. Prepare summaries, analysis, and updates of state or federal legislation that could impact Ramsey County programs, services, and operations.
3. 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.
4. Serve as a resource to work with external organizations in the development of policy positions consistent with the interests of Ramsey County.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. 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.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
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. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.
*Unclassified Position: Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act: Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281to 383.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board.
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. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
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. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.
To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday
  • Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2024 benefits, visit:
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02
Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have or have you ever held a professional license?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the type of license(s) and the State or jurisdiction the license is or was held; also indicate the status of your license(s). If this does not apply to you, please write "N/A" in the space provided.
05
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in public administration, policy, political science, government, public affairs, or a related area of study?

• Yes
• No