Intergovernmental Relations Liaison(Temporary)

DESCRIPTION:

We are pleased to announce that the Executive Division within the State Courts Administrators office (SCAO) is looking for an Intergovernmental Relations Liaison. This position serves as the Judicial Branchs liaison to the Legislature and other government agencies.

The candidate will join an existing Intergovernmental Relations Liaison in coordinating the Branchs legislative and intergovernmental relations work. Together they will advise the State Court Administrator and internal constituents on policy and legislative issues that affect the Judicial Branch. The position also provides staff support to judicial committees including the Legislative Advisory Workgroup and works closely with Judicial Branch leadership judges court staff legislators and other stakeholders to advance the Branchs legislative priorities.

Work is performed according to state law rules of the Supreme Court policies of the State Court Administrators Office judicial branch policies and procedures and judicial branch strategic plan. Work is reviewed by the State Court Administrator.

This is a temporary Full-time position that is expected to end on June 30^th 2027.

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:

Examples of key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate the Judicial Branchs legislative and intergovernmental relations program. Manage the Judicial Branchs legislative program and serve as a primary contact for legislators legislative staff government agencies and external organizations. Work with judicial leadership and internal stakeholders to identify priorities and develop draft and advance legislative proposals.
• Analyze legislation and assess its impact.Track proposed legislation affecting the courts analyze policy implications prepare policy impact statements and coordinate the preparation of fiscal notes and supporting with the State Court Administrator judges and court personnel regarding proposed legislation and legislative intent.
• Advance Judicial Branch priorities.Represent the Branch in legislative discussions and negotiations with legislators legislative staff judges court personnel state agencies lobbyists and other hearings coordinate testimony prepare talking points and presentations and testify when proposed amendments and determine appropriate responses using independent judgment.
• Communicate legislative developments. Prepare and distribute updates on legislative activity during the session and summaries of new laws following presentations talking points letters and other communications for the State Court Administrator in response to legislative inquiries testimony requests and requests for appearances.
• Support judicial committees and legislative planning.Provide staff support to judicial committees including the Legislative Advisory Workgroup by developing agendas preparing meeting materials and coordinating committee activities.
• Monitor implementation of legislation.Prepare end-of-session legislative summaries for the State Court Administrator Chief Justice and other internal stakeholders. Track implementation of newly enacted legislation affecting the Judicial Branch.
• Build relationships and coordinate outreach.Establish and maintain relationships with legislators government agencies court personnel professional organizations and other stakeholders to identify emerging issues address concerns and build support for Branch initiatives. Plan and coordinate outreach with the public and external partners as needed.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge skills and abilities listed below will be considered. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration political science public policy or a closely related field.
• Five years of government affairs or legislative experience that includes demonstrated experience in developing initiatives or strategies around government affairs topics and/or external stakeholder work.
• A doctorate degree in Public Relations Public Policy Political Science Law Public Administration or related field may substitute for two years of experience; masters degree in public relations Public Policy Political Science Law Public Administration or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelors degree in public relations Public Policy Political Science Law Public Administration or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduated from a four-year college preferably supplemented by a masters degree in public or court administration or a law degree and considerable experience in court administration criminal justice social science research or a closely related area.
• Considerable and progressively responsible experience in legislative analysis community relations or intergovernmental affairs; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the Minnesota legislative process including experience with the committee process and knowledge of the role of the Judicial Branch.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze policy interpret and develop statutory language and support implementation. Thorough knowledge of the structure organization and operation of state court systems and considerable knowledge of court administration issues.
• Excellent written oral and presentation skills including the ability to explain complex or technical information clearly to diverse audiences and experience presenting to and testifying before legislative committees.
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building advocacy negotiation and collaboration skills including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with legislators executive branch officials staffers judges court administrators and other stakeholders.
• Excellent judgment organizational and project management skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands lead meetings and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with the other Intergovernmental Relations Liaison to coordinate legislative and intergovernmental relations activities and ensure consistent communication and advocacy on behalf of the Judicial Branch.

SALARY RANGE:The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $46.73 - $59.59 per hour ($97572 - $124424 annually). The full salary range for this position is $46.73 - $72.45 per hour ($97572 - $151276 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for state of MN employee benefits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Position Logistics:

This is a full-time session-only position that is classified as an Intergovernmental Relations Liaison. The role operates in a hybrid work environment with occasional days on-site at the Minnesota Judicial Center in Saint Paul as business needs dictate. Occasional in-state travel and some non-standard hours are required.

Physical DemandsWork is essentially sedentary with occasional walking standing bending and carrying items under 25 pounds such as papers and files.

TO APPLY:Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by 11/8/2026 at 11:59 pm. Employment offers may be rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.