Governmental Affairs Specialist / Lobbyist : Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Minnesota Nurses Association
345 Randolph Avenue #200, St. Paul, MN  55102
Fax: 651-695-7000  Web: www.mnnurses.org
 

Governmental Affairs Specialist / Lobbyist

Based in St. Paul, MN
(position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon passage of probation)

POSITION TITLE: Governmental Affairs Specialist / Lobbyist
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Governmental Affairs Manager
AVAILABLE: Immediately
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

POSITION DESCRIPTION 
Under MNA’s Governmental Affairs Manager and Public Affairs Director, MNA’s Governmental Affairs Specialist will work to promote and achieve the legislative and regulatory priorities of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). This position requires advocating a broad portfolio of issues, including, but not limited to healthcare, nursing practice, social justice and labor and will collaborate with a team of other professionals across the organization to plan, implement and evaluate key priorities set by the MNA Board of Directors and Governmental Affairs Commission. This position primarily works to further goals on the state and local level, but occasional federal lobbying may be necessary.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and government decision makers; 
• Monitor and track legislation; analyze potential impacts and make recommendations on positions;
• Research, outline, and draft potential legislation;
• Communicate MNA positions to policymakers, members, the media, and allies;
• Write and deliver testimony before various legislative committees;
• Collaborate with internal departments to manage relationships among members, stakeholder groups, and state legislators;
• Develop and maintain relationships and coalitions with other labor unions and allied organizations;
• Coordinate and attend policy-related events, including, but not limited to, legislator/member visits, day on the hill, and in-district meetings with elected officials and nurses; 
• Participate in coordinated electoral campaigns;
• Attend events and fundraisers held by elected officials and allies;
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience working with the Minnesota Legislature, executive branch agencies, or in roles involving public policy development, public administration, government affairs, or lobbying at the local, state, or federal level.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Minnesota legislative procedures and administrative agency operations, including policy development, committee processes, rulemaking, and executive branch functions.
• Demonstrated success in building, managing, and sustaining effective working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, agency leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to draft, analyze, and evaluate legislation, amendments, and policy proposals, and communicate their implications to diverse audiences.
• Strong political acumen and strategic judgment, with the ability to assess and navigate Minnesota’s political environment and provide sound policy and legislative guidance.
• Exceptional research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with experience evaluating legislation, administrative actions, and regulatory frameworks to inform advocacy and policy strategies.
• Track record of developing collaborative partnerships with elected officials, government agencies, and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively lead meetings and briefings in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity, racial justice, and social justice through policy development, advocacy, and coalition-building.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED: 

• Demonstrated public speaking and advocacy experience, including providing testimony before legislative bodies, presenting to groups, facilitating trainings, or speaking on behalf of an organization.
• Experience working within labor unions, healthcare organizations, or related advocacy environments, with an understanding of the unique policy, regulatory, and dynamics affecting these sectors.
• Proven ability to educate and influence diverse audiences regarding organizational priorities, legislative processes, grassroots advocacy, and political action strategies.
• Working knowledge of healthcare scope of practice laws and regulations, including an understanding of their impact on healthcare delivery, workforce development, and patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and quickly acquire new knowledge and skills with minimal supervision.
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational skills, with a track record of prioritizing competing demands and consistently delivering results within established timelines.
• Experience managing projects and coordinating cross-functional initiatives, including collaborating effectively across departments to achieve shared objectives.
• Demonstrated proficiency using databases, legislative tracking systems, and technology platforms, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading and facilitating teams, workgroups, committees, or collaborative projects, including establishing goals, maintaining accountability, and driving successful outcomes.
• Proven success managing high-volume, time-sensitive work, including the ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain quality and responsiveness under pressure.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and professional experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered and evaluated on an individual basis.

SALARY
Per MNASO Local 1, Unit 2 Contract Agreement. Starting salary of $89,814 – 95,285, dependent on experience, with generous benefits including defined benefit pension, 401K matching, 100% employer paid single and low-cost family health insurance coverage, 20 vacation, 12 sick, and 3 personal days, along with 12 paid holidays annually. 

MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. 

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (2 days at home/3 days in office) upon passage of probation. 

CONTACT
Send cover letter, résumé, and salary requirements to Brenda Woodall at Brenda.Woodall@mnnurses.org

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