Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Government Relations Program Advisor, State Prog Admin Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Cannabis Management Office

• Job ID : 91255
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 01/21/2026
• Closing Date : 02/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Cannabis Management Office / Cannabis Mgt Off - MAPE
• Division/Unit : Cannabis Management Office-OCM / Government Relations Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes, Up to 25%
• Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
• Job Class Option : Legal Services
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.

Job Summary

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is currently seeking a Government Relations Advisor to provide high-quality policy and implementation advice and conduct research and analysis in response to state, federal, and regulatory changes, and serve as liaison with the federal government. The incumbent will also partner with the Minnesota state legislature, local governments, and tribal governments and play a key role in policy and budget development and legislative strategy and prioritization.

These expectations may differ during the Legislative session.

A successful incumbent in this position will be able to:

• Provide policy advice, research and analysis, and consultative services to OCM leadership, division directors, and teams to support the Office’s program goals
• Coordinate office program implementation activities in response to state and federal legislative and regulatory changes
• Manage the Office’s intersection and coordination with the federal government and other states
• Research, analyze, and maintain current knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting OCM
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of state, federal, and local government

This position is located in St. Paul and may telework from home two (2) days per week and is expected to be in the office three (3) days per week.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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.

• Four (4) years of experience in the legislative process, government relations, and policy development.
  • A bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  • A master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field may substitute for 18 months of experience
• Experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Knowledge and experience with the legislative and agency processes, including committee structure, bill tracking, and the role of state agencies in implementing legislation process and knowledge of the role of state agencies.
  • Policy and legislative analysis, conducting research, proposal and issue tracking, statutory language development and interpretation, and related program implementation.
  • Advanced communication and negotiation skills, ability to convey complex policy information clearly and translate information into succinct, strategic written communication, advocate effectively for agency positions, and understand, collaborate, and mediate with diverse stakeholders
    
    
  • Ability to travel to Minnesota State Capitol for legislative committee hearings and meetings, and ability to travel in state for local and tribal government engagement.
  • Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment

As part of the selection process, candidates may be asked to complete a job-related writing assessment to evaluate written communication and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, or other related degree
• Knowledge of the Minnesota legislative and policy making processes
• Knowledge of the Minnesota biennial budgeting processes
• Knowledge of Minnesota cannabis laws and regulations
• Experience leading or advising committees, work groups, or advisory groups
• Experience in the legislative or government relations processes of the cannabis or other highly regulated industry

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment reference check
• Conflict of interest review
• Criminal background check

The Office of Cannabis Management will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Application Details

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kara Shand at kara.shand@state.mn.us or 651-539-5844.

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 Kara Shand at kara.shand@state.mn.us.

About Cannabis Management Office

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is the primary regulatory office for the state’s new and expanding cannabis industry (including the new adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and existing hemp-derived cannabinoid products). OCM is tasked with issuing business licenses, providing education and technical support to new businesses, administering grants to support community reinvestment and to organizations that will help farmers navigate the new industry, and overseeing all aspects of Minnesota’s cannabis industry. Join our team and become a part of OCM’s mission to foster an equitable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer confidence, and market integrity.

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
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Shift work, Day shift, 2 days per week, 3 days per week,

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