Job DescriptionDESCRIPTION:We are pleased to announce that the Executive Division within the State Courts Administrator's office (SCAO) is looking for an Intergovernmental Relations Liaison. This position serves as the Judicial Branch's liaison to the Legislature and other government agencies.
The candidate will join an existing Intergovernmental Relations Liaison in coordinating the Branch's 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 Branch's legislative priorities.
Work is performed according to state law, rules of the Supreme Court, policies of the State Court Administrator's 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 30th, 2027.
EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES:
Examples of key responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the Judicial Branch's legislative and intergovernmental relations program. Manage the Judicial Branch's 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 data. Consult 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 stakeholders. Attend hearings, coordinate testimony, prepare talking points and presentations, and testify when appropriate. Assess 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 adjournment. Develop 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; master's degree in public relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related field may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor's 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 master's 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 ($97,572 - $124,424 annually). The full salary range for this position is $46.73 - $72.45 per hour ($97,572 - $151,276 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 Demands Work 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.
