Legislative Director

The Minnesota Environmental Partnership seeks a Legislative Director to implement its legislative agenda, engage with legislators, and coordinate grassroots support. Responsibilities include monitoring relevant legislation, providing updates, and building coalitions. Candidates should have at least 2 years of legislative experience and a commitment to environmental advocacy. The role requires physical presence at the Capitol during sessions, including evenings and weekends.
About the position

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) is a growing nonprofit organization in Minnesota with offices in Saint Paul and Duluth dedicated to protecting Minnesota's environment and natural resources through legal action, policy advocacy, and community engagement. For 50 years, MCEA has been a leading voice for environmental protection in Minnesota, working alongside community leaders, scientists, policy makers and community members to preserve the state's natural beauty, promote sustainable development, and ensure that all communities have access to clean water and clean air regardless of race, color, ethnicity, income, or zip code. At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences. We acknowledge that fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuous learning, active listening, and growth.

Responsibilities
• Take primary responsibility for implementing MCEA's legislative agenda, including meeting with legislators and stakeholders, testifying or organizing effective committee testimony, helping coordinate grassroots and organizational support, attending legislative hearings, and preparing appropriate materials.
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• Assist the Chief Strategy Officer, Program Directors, and MCEA staff in developing MCEA's legislative agenda and strategy.
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• Monitor all legislation introduced and relevant legislative committee agendas and promptly notify the Chief Strategy Officer and appropriate MCEA staff of bills or hearings that potentially coincide or conflict with MCEA's interests.
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• Provide frequent and regular updates on the status of MCEA's legislative agenda to MCEA staff and board throughout the legislative session.
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• Identify existing coalitions and build new ones if needed to achieve our legislative goals.
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• Attend coalition legislative meetings and represent MCEA in legislative coalition work.
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• Draft legislative updates for MCEA digital and printed communications.
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• Comply with laws regulating lobbying and ensure that MCEA complies with Minnesota and federal law, serve as reporting lobbyist for the organization.
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• Serve on task forces, advisory committees or similar bodies as needed and appropriate for advancing MCEA's agenda.

Requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to MCEA's mission of defending Minnesota's environment.
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• At least 2 years of legislative experience, as a lobbyist, staff member, or elected official.
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• Understanding of Minnesota's legislative process.
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• Ability to be physically present at the Capitol during session, including evening hours and weekends if necessary.
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• Demonstrated organizing, interpersonal, strategic and persuasive skills.

Nice-to-haves
• J.D. preferred.
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• Understanding of Minnesota laws and rules in areas of importance to MCEA's work (i.e. environmental, energy, agriculture, water, mining).
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• Demonstrated ability to successfully advance legislative initiatives through the Minnesota Legislature.
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• Demonstrated ability to use grassroots mobilization as part of a legislative lobbying initiative to build power.
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• Demonstrated ability to lead legislative coalitions.
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• Experience supervising contract lobbyists, associates, and interns in the context of legislative work.

Benefits
• Starting salary range is from $75,000 - $81,000, with additional compensation possible for candidates that meet desired qualifications, particularly holding a J.D.
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• Compensation includes a great benefits package and generous paid time off.
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• MCEA has a 36 hour (with option for 32 hour) work week.
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• Additional paid time off that may be used when the Legislature is not in session.