Executive Director of Government Relations Position Profile

Opportunity Overview

Minnesota State invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director for Government Relations

The Executive Director of Government Relations serves as the chief governmental affairs officer for Minnesota State and advises the chancellor on legislative, political, budgetary, and public policy matters. The position leads the development and execution of the system’s state and federal advocacy strategy, advances legislative and capital investment priorities, and builds productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, business leaders, and higher education stakeholders.

The Executive Director reports directly to the chancellor and is a member of the chancellor’s cabinet. They work closely with the chancellor, Board of Trustees, system office leaders, college and university presidents, and external partners to secure policy and public investments necessary for Minnesota State to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that strengthens Minnesota’s workforce, economy, and communities.

The Executive Director for Government Relations supervises two staff: the Director of Communications for Government Relations, and the Director of Federal Government Relations and Advocacy. This role also works with the coalition of individuals at the colleges and universities who have been identified as their campus lead for the Grassroots Campus Network.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Legislative Strategy and Advocacy

Develop and implement Minnesota State’s legislative and governmental relations strategy.
Working in partnership with the chancellor and senior leaders, develop and advance the system’s operating budget and capital investment requests and strategy.
Monitor state and federal legislation, regulations, and public policy issues affecting higher education and work with staff on potential impact.
Advise the chancellor and executive leadership on legislative and political developments.
Lead legislative testimony, hearings, briefings, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Relationship Management

Serve as the primary liaison to the Minnesota Legislature, Governor’s Office, state agencies, congressional delegation, and local government officials.
Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and key stakeholders.
Represent Minnesota State before legislative committees, state agencies, and public organizations.
Work with statewide bargaining units and student associations.
Foster partnerships with business, labor, education, and community organizations.

Executive Leadership

Serve as a member of the chancellor’s cabinet.
Serves as the government relations lead with presidents, campus and system leaders, statewide bargaining units and student associations.
Provide strategic counsel on public policy, governmental affairs, and external relations.
Lead government relations staff and manage external consultants and contract lobbyists as appropriate.
Coordinate and support advocacy efforts across Minnesota State colleges and universities in collaboration with the Grassroots Campus Network.

Communications and Public Affairs

Collaborate with communications and executive leadership to ensure consistent messaging on legislative priorities.
Prepare briefing materials, policy analyses, speeches, and presentations for the chancellor and Board of Trustees.
Support crisis-response efforts involving legislative, governmental, or regulatory matters.
Provide advice and counsel on issues that may result in reputational impact with internal or external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, communications, law, or a related field
Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, public policy, or related leadership roles
Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota government, legislative processes, and state budgeting
Demonstrated knowledge of federal government, policies, and processes
Experience building effective relationships with elected officials and diverse stakeholder groups
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree, J.D., or other advanced degree
Experience in higher education, workforce development, or public-sector leadership.
Experience working with state appropriations, capital investment, or public finance issues
Demonstrated success advancing complex legislative initiatives

Familiarity with collective bargaining environments and labor relations

Desired Competencies

Strategic thinking and political acumen.
Leadership and team development.
Relationship building and coalition management.
Policy analysis and problem solving.
Negotiation and consensus building.
Commitment to public higher education and student success.

Nomination and Application Process

Kris Hnastchenko, president of Heinze & Associates Executive Search, is supporting Minnesota State in this search. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The preferred date to receive application materials for maximum consideration is August 21, 2026. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Applications must include:

Letter of interest stating how the candidate’s experiences and qualifications connect with the strategic priorities expressed in the position prospectus
A resume
Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five references for future contact, including the candidate’s professional relationship with each reference listed. References will only be contacted with permission of the candidates

Confidential inquires, nominations, and application materials should be directed to: Kris Hnastchenko, President Heinze & Associates Executive Search kris.heinzeandassociates@gmail.com 763-242-9926

The target start date for the new Executive Director for Government Relations is mid-late October 2026