Government Relations Specialist (Unclassified)

Full Job Description

Ramsey County is hiring two Government Relations Specialists within the Government Relations Department.

Under the direction of the Government Relations Director develop, advocate for and present information on county board initiatives and positions; participate in the development and operation of county processes for state and federal government relations functions; assist in the coordination and logistical operation of the legislative program; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Flexible Workplace:
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Requirements

1. Collaborate with the Government Relations Director in the development and implementation of the county board’s annual federal and state legislative platforms, including identification and analysis of county priorities for advocacy.
2. Help to assess the policy impact of a response to proposed legislation affecting the county in coordination with department staff. Prepare summaries, analyses, and updates of state or federal legislation that could impact Ramsey County programs, services, and operations.
3. Research and analyze existing or proposed legislation, studies, policies and programs for impact on Ramsey County; develop and present options for consideration by the county board and county leadership and carry out follow-up activities as directed; and write correspondence or testimony on federal or state legislation as it relates to the county board’s legislative platform.
4. Serve as a resource to work with external organizations in the development of policy positions consistent with the interests of Ramsey County.
5. Lobby and present information on county board legislative initiatives and positions with legislators individually, at committee meetings, public hearings, or as appropriate within and outside of legislative sessions; communicate with all affected parties, both public and private; and provide additional information as needed to support the county’s interests.
6. Participate in the tracking of the progress and status of relevant state and federal legislation and develop related documentation; coordinate the annual distribution of all enacted state legislation to county departments that have primary responsibility for implementation.
7. Represent Ramsey County at meetings with staff from other governmental entities, public and private foundations (i.e., Association of Minnesota Counties, National Association of Counties, and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce).
8. Convene, facilitate, and participate in work teams that develop legislative proposals or policy options related to legislation for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, including directing efforts of staff from other county departments over whom there is no supervisory relationship.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, policy, political science, government, public affairs, or a related area of study.

Experience: Four years of legislative, intergovernmental, policy research/analysis, and/or lobbying experience.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Additional Information

This is an unclassified, at-will position, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position requires an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this unclassified, at-will, position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.

Definition of Unclassified from the Ramsey County Personnel Act:
Subdivision 1. General. "The appointing authority may discharge employees in the unclassified service with or without cause. Employees in the unclassified service have no right to a grievance appeal from discharge or other disciplinary action under sections 383A.281 to 383A.301. An employee in an unclassified position shall not have tenure but shall be entitled to all benefits associated with tenure such as vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, and other benefits as determined by the county board."

Interested candidates should apply online by completing the online application prior to the close date listed and attaching a resume and cover letter detailing their experience. Applications will begin being reviewed on March 13, 2026.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment.

Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought.

However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program.

This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.

Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce.

The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees.

Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them.

Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us