ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Strategy Officer
JOB STATUS: Full-time (includes work outside of legislative sessions)
WHO WE ARE: The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is a growing nonprofit organization in Minnesota with offices in Saint Paul and Duluth dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s environment and natural resources through legal action, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
For 50 years, MCEA has been a leading voice for environmental protection in Minnesota, working alongside community leaders, scientists, policy makers and community members to preserve the state’s natural beauty, promote sustainable development, and ensure that all communities have access to clean water and clean air regardless of race, color, ethnicity, income, or zip code.
At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences. We acknowledge that fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuous learning, active listening, and growth.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: We seek an experienced government relations professional who shares our mission, vision, and values, understands Minnesota’s environmental laws, and knows how to make change at the Minnesota Legislature. The Legislative Director works with MCEA staff to help create a strategic legislative agenda and is responsible for implementing that strategy at the Minnesota Capitol.
We also seek to create greater engagement with our legislative agenda among our supporters.
The ideal candidate thrives in the fast-paced environment of the Minnesota legislature and can simultaneously hold multiple strategic priorities and navigate the nuance and complexity of environmental law. The Legislative Director is the face of MCEA at the state legislature, but they do not work alone. MCEA has been the scientific and legal voice for Minnesota’s environment since 1974, and one of our strongest assets is our credibility with legislators, regulators, and the public. MCEA’s lawyers and advocates provide strategic advice, oral and written testimony, and will participate in meetings with legislators. The successful candidate will arrive at the Capitol with many of the most experienced environmental lawyers and advocates in the state of Minnesota behind them.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: The primary focus of the Legislative Director is to serve as MCEA’s chief lobbyist and liaison for Minnesota legislative work. The Legislative Director works with the Chief Strategy Officer and MCEA staff to develop a strategic legislative agenda, brings MCEA’s expertise to bear at the Capitol, persuades legislators to support our agenda, and engages MCEA supporters in our legislative agenda.
During legislative sessions, the Legislative Director’s workload is focused at the Minnesota Capitol. Outside of session, the Legislative Director may have ongoing legislative and lobbying work including planning for upcoming sessions. The Legislative Director also has the opportunity to engage in other types of projects outside of session. This is a full-time, year-round position.
1. Take primary responsibility, subject to regular guidance from the Chief Strategy Officer, MCEA leadership, and MCEA Program Directors, for implementing MCEA’s legislative agenda, including meeting with legislators and stakeholders, testifying or organizing effective committee testimony, helping coordinate grassroots and organizational support, attending legislative hearings, and preparing appropriate materials.
2. Assist the Chief Strategy Officer, Program Directors, and MCEA staff in developing MCEA’s legislative agenda and strategy
3. Monitor all legislation introduced and relevant legislative committee agendas and promptly notify the Chief Strategy Officer and appropriate MCEA staff of bills or hearings that potentially coincide or conflict with MCEA’s interests.
4. Provide frequent and regular updates on the status of MCEA’s legislative agenda to MCEA staff and board throughout the legislative session.
5. Identify existing coalitions and build new ones if needed to achieve our legislative goals.
6. Attend coalition legislative meetings and represent MCEA in legislative coalition work.
7. Draft legislative updates for MCEA digital and printed communications.
8. Comply with laws regulating lobbying and ensure that MCEA complies with Minnesota and federal law, serve as reporting lobbyist for the organization.
9. Serve on task forces, advisory committees or similar bodies as needed and appropriate for advancing MCEA’s agenda.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: MCEA may hire Legislative Associates, contract for lobbying assistance, and hire Legislative interns depending on need. The Legislative Director works with the Chief Strategy Officer and MCEA leadership to determine hiring needs for each session and may be the primary supervisor of these positions.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
1. Sound judgment with ability to balance independent action with adequate communication with the Chief Strategy Officer and other MCEA staff.
2. Creative and efficient use of resources in planning and managing MCEA’s legislative work.
3. Good working relationships with MCEA staff and outside parties.
4. Clear, logical and focused analysis and synthesis of ideas using strategies that are practically and politically feasible.
5. Positive contribution to team-oriented work environment.
6. Effective coordination with Chief Strategy Officer and communications staff to maximize communication opportunities and opportunities to engage MCEA’s supporters in our legislative work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum
- Demonstrated commitment to MCEA’s mission of defending Minnesota’s environment
- At least 2 years of legislative experience, as a lobbyist, staff member, or elected official
- Understanding of Minnesota’s legislative process
- Ability to be physically present at the Capitol during session, including evening hours and weekends if necessary
- Demonstrated organizing, interpersonal, strategic and persuasive skills
Desired
- J.D. preferred
- Understanding of Minnesota laws and rules in areas of importance to MCEA’s work (i.e. environmental, energy, agriculture, water, mining)
- Demonstrated ability to successfully advance legislative initiatives through the Minnesota Legislature
- Demonstrated ability to use grassroots mobilization as part of a legislative lobbying initiative to build power
- Demonstrated ability to lead legislative coalitions
- Experience supervising contract lobbyists, associates, and interns in the context of legislative work
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting salary range is from $75,000 – $81,000, with additional compensation possible for candidates that meet desired qualifications, particularly holding a J.D. Compensation includes a great benefits package and generous paid time off. MCEA has a 36 hour (with option for 32 hour) work week. For this position, there is additional paid time off that may be used when the Legislature is not in session in recognition that successful lobbying during the legislative session often requires long hours.
HOW TO APPLY: Send electronic cover letter, resume and three references to hr@mncenter.org with the subject line Legislative Director. The position is open until filled, but apply by October 18, 2024 for priority review. Our goal is to interview candidates in November and have the right candidate start in December.
MCEA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women.