Public Policy Director

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is seeking a highly skilled Public Policy & Outreach Director to join our team. As a key member of our external relations team, you will represent the Department's public policy and outreach work to advance our mission and vision. Your primary focus will be on developing and advancing public policy through sustained relationships with key stakeholders within State Government and outside of State Government. You will also be responsible for evaluating the Department's policies and programs to identify areas for improvement and implementing opportunities to partner with communities, nonprofits, private entities, local and state government entities, and human rights commissions to identify policy solutions that advance our mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and advance public policy through sustained relationships with key stakeholders within State Government and outside of State Government
- Evaluate the Department's policies and programs to identify areas for improvement
- Implement opportunities to partner with communities, nonprofits, private entities, local and state government entities, and human rights commissions to identify policy solutions that advance our mission and vision
- Represent the Department's public policy and outreach work to advance our mission and vision

Requirements

- Four (4) years of combined experience demonstrating the following: development and advancement of public policy, contribution to legislative activities and knowledge of the legislative process, leading projects and programs with executive level officials, analysis of program requirements, policies, regulations, existing procedures, and other guidelines in order to develop and implement improvements
- Knowledge of or experience engaging with organizations that work on civil rights issues related to the Minnesota Human Rights Act throughout Minnesota
- Interpersonal relationship skills to develop and foster authentic relationships with key stakeholders within State Government and across the state of Minnesota
- Skill in project and stakeholder management, including the ability to organize and execute work based on project goals, prioritize amidst competing interests, and effectively engage a variety of stakeholders to advance the work
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills - communicating with diverse groups of stakeholders and communities in a way that is clear, inclusive, and professional
- Skill in navigating ambiguity, including proactively anticipating barriers and adapting to overcome challenges, innovating, and designing with a user- or customer-focused mindset
- Skill in developing and presenting on complex technical topics for primarily non-legal audiences

Preferred Qualifications

- A Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in public policy, public administration, communications, legal, or a related field
- Experience working with or knowledge of tribal nations and the civil rights areas of interest that impact their communities
- Experience communicating or developing communications in multiple languages, using interpreters as needed, to promote public policy, education, and outreach efforts
- Direct experience working with civil rights issues under the Minnesota Human Rights Act
- Knowledge of Minnesota's Data Practices Act and corresponding data privacy laws
- Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
- Ability to serve as subject matter expert for complex areas of state and federal civil rights law, especially in the area of education
- Demonstrated ability to convey complex legal information in plain language
- Deep commitment to promoting civil rights; public policy; and equity, inclusion, and diversity practices

About the Department

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit https://mn.gov/mdhr.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Benefits may include paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays each year, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans, 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children, pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years), employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death, short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care, resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being, training, classes, and professional development, federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.gov), Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care. Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at or email and let us know the support you need.

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