Assistant Director for Government Relations

Job Description

The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, is seeking an assistant director for government relations. The assistant director assists the Catholic bishops of Minnesota and the MCC executive director by actively identifying, formulating, and implementing public policy objectives that promote the common good in the state of Minnesota.

The assistant director is MCC's principal, day-to-day point of contact with public officials and is responsible for facilitating good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. A principal responsibility is to serve as legislative liaison for the Catholic Health Association of Minnesota (CHA-MN) and carry out the joint advocacy of activities of both organizations in the areas of healthcare and bioethics legislation.

Lobbying, policy analysis, and building coalitions comprise the principal duties of the assistant director, though the person is also responsible for building relationships with parishes, laity, and other stakeholders in the Catholic community. The assistant director also works with other MCC team members to facilitate programming and develop resources that help Catholics be more effective faithful citizens and live missionary discipleship in the public arena.

Pay and Benefits:
Salary and benefits package commensurate with experience; median salary range $120,000-$150,000 per year.

Key Duties and Responsibilities Include:
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with legislators and staff;
• Monitoring and researching state and federal issues that have an impact on human dignity and the common good;
• Participating in committee hearings, testifying on behalf of the Church, and coordinating stakeholder testimony;
• Attending meetings with legislators, staff, executive and agency officials, as well as others;
• Drafting policy positions, legislative testimony, and preparing updates and the relevant correspondence as needed;
• Producing written and oral issue updates to stakeholders, committees, and legislators;
• Building advocacy coalitions with other organizations and faith communities;
• Serving as a representative of MCC on coalitions and with affiliated organizations;
• Planning and coordinating legislative events and outreach for Catholic clergy and laity.

Other Duties May Include But are Not Limited To:
• Training clergy and laity to effectively engage with policy makers and elected officials;
• Assisting with the development of Minnesota Catholic Conference communications tools, including videos and social media;
• Speaking to parishes and other Catholic organizations;
• Providing an accessible channel of communication between Minnesota Catholics and religious, secular, and other organizations;
• Representing the Minnesota Catholic Conference in media forums as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
• Practicing Catholic who exhibits fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church;
• An entrepreneurial and evangelical spirit;
• At least five years of legislative, lobbying, or public policy experience, or experience in a related field;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Clear and consistent verbal and written communication skills combined with effective interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite and products;
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Law degree or graduate degree;
• Knowledge of healthcare policy or experience in healthcare administration;
• Spanish language fluency.

Location:
This is an in-person role in St. Paul, Minnesota. It may include some travel throughout Minnesota and occasional travel outside the state.

To Apply:
Please e-mail a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three references to Hiring Manager, hr@mncatholic.org or Minnesota Catholic Conference, 525 Park St., Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103. Position open until filled. No phone calls, please.

About the Employer

Minnesota Catholic Conference is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota and serves to uphold life, dignity, and the common good.