Agency Policy Specialist Legislative Lead - Agency Policy Specialist

Working Title: Agency Policy Specialist Legislative Lead
Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 91798
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid 
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously.  Bidders will be considered through 2/05/2026.
• Date Posted: 01/30/2026
• Closing Date: 02/12/2026
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Health Regulation / Policy and Rule Specialists
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join a mission-driven team in the Health Regulations Division (HRD) of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your expertise will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans!

This position will provide effective, high quality legislative and policy research and analysis and will support the Health Regulation Division’s Executive Management team in fulfilling the Health Regulation Division’s regulatory responsibilities to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans. This position will represent the Division during the legislative session and afterwards when implementing newly enacted session laws.  This position will also provide back-up for the development, promulgation and adoption of rules related to the work done by the Division Rulewriter. 

Working as an Agency Policy Specialist Legislative Lead, you will:

• Act as the key policy researcher, analyst and advisor for all internal and external legislation related to the Health Regulation Division (HRD).
• Under guidance from the Division Director’s Office, represent the Division at the Minnesota legislature about the Division’s proposals, assist and support the Division’s subject matter experts during the legislative session.
• Coordinate, communicate with stakeholders and Executive Office, and project manage the Division’s legislative proposals so that proposals are moved through the legislative process successfully.
• Coordinate, communicate with Division staff, and project manage the implementation of new session laws enacted.
• Assist and back-up the Division Rulewriter in rulemaking activities.
• Provide consultation to all HRD leadership around legislative activities so that requesters are informed and understand how their issues intersect with legislative activities.

The Telework Policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state. 

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three (3) years of experience developing policies, and includes performing legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing formal consultation.

A related degree may substitute for experience as follows:

• Master's degree = 18 months
• Bachelor's degree = 12 months
• Associate degree = 6 months

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to interpret the impact of policies and to implement new policies into existing practices.
• Ability to manage projects and facilitate consensus among a variety of agencies and stakeholder groups.
• Experience writing complete, comprehensive and effective reports, memoranda, rules, statements, and correspondence.
• Ability to listen, explain and present technical and legal information, in addition to organizational skills to be able to work on a wide range of issues affecting all levels of government and the private sector.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders and planning groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in law, public health, public policy, public administration or related field.
• Knowledge in government policy development and implementation, administrative hearings, district court actions, and judicial appeals and Minnesota rulemaking and administrative law.
• Experience interpreting legislative bills, statutes, and rules; analyzing legislative budgets; and drafting bill language, bill summaries and fiscal notes.
• Knowledge of the Vulnerable Adults Act and both state and federal regulations of healthcare facilities.
• Familiarity with government policy development and implementation, Minnesota rulemaking, administrative law and government data practices.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This employment does not require a valid driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.  

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us or 651-201-5617.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Amy Winters at amy.winters@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.