Government Relations Manager

The Government Relations Manager leads government relations, strategic communications, and external engagement efforts that elevate the mission of the Minnesota Land Trust. This role increases public visibility, strengthens relationships with policymakers and media, and builds strong partnerships with local, state, tribal, and federal public officials to ensure a supportive policy and funding environment for conservation. Public grants provide over 75% of the annual funding for the Land Trust’s work and this position plays a critical role in ensuring the Land Trust maintains relationships with policymakers and other influential stakeholders. This position will keep leadership informed of legislative trends and is responsible for creating the crisis communication plan for the organization. Organization Values All employees of the Minnesota Land Trust are expected to embrace the ideals of our organization’s values and incorporate our values into their ongoing work. All employees should be familiar with the current values statement. Duties and Responsibilities Government and Policy Relations – 65% • Serve as the Minnesota Land Trust’s liaison to local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies, elected officials, and their staff. • Coordinate the Land Trust’s Government Relations Committee. • Build and manage relationships with external lobbyists. • Monitor legislative and regulatory issues relevant to the Minnesota Land Trust. • Coordinate policy responses, position statements, and advocacy communications. • Represent the Land Trust at hearings, briefings, and coalition meetings and/or coordinate other land trust participants. • Collaborate with peer organizations to advance shared legislative goals. • Support public funding strategies for land conservation, including managing relationships related to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, Environmental Trust Fund, and local funding initiatives. • Represent government relations interests in internal discussions regarding new programs, events, and initiatives. • Build and sustain strong relationships with Tribal Nations and intertribal organizations as a key representative, while serving as an essential internal liaison to foster alignment and collaboration. • Develop the Land Trust’s grassroots “base of influence” by mapping and cultivating connections between MLT stakeholders and policymakers and help expand the Land Trust’s network of policy support. • Submit required reports and documentation for registered lobbyists in a timely manner and comply with all applicable requirements. Media & Public Relations – 20% • In partnership with the Land Trust’s communications team, develop and execute strategies to embed the Land Trust’s government relations and public funding priorities into the organization’s overall communication and brand strategy. • Draft and review press releases, op-eds, and media materials; coordinate interviews and media opportunities. • Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national journalists and influencers. • Serve as a Land Trust spokesperson as needed and train internal spokespeople. • Provide responses to real-time public or policy developments via social media platforms. Campaigns and Public Engagement – 10% • Plan and promote events, public awareness campaigns, and calls to action. • Collaborate with communications, development, and program staff to support initiatives and storytelling. • Track public sentiment and issues relevant to conservation. Crisis & Issue Response – 5% • Contribute to crisis communication planning and rapid response efforts. • Anticipate and address reputational risks related to media or policy developments. Other duties as Assigned Qualifications Education, Experience, Certifications • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, political science, environmental studies and 3 years of experience in government relations, public relations, or advocacy (nonprofit or public sector, preferred); Or, equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and • Experience with building and maintaining relationships with policymakers in a non-partisan manner; and • Current registered Minnesota lobbyist or ability to register as a lobbyist prior to or within 30 days of the start of employment, and • Valid Minnesota driver’s license. Knowledge • Legislative and bill-making processes at state and federal levels • Appropriations and budgeting processes for conservation funding • Federal and state conservation grant and funding programs • Minnesota’s political and environmental landscape • Minnesota’s tribes and tribal governments • Public funding mechanisms such as the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund • Media and public relations best practices supporting organizational visibility • Conservation, land protection, and natural resource management concepts • Minnesota Ethics and Government Act, including requirements for lobbyist registration and reporting Skills • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication • Strong relationship-building and coalition-development skills • Strategic thinking and sound political judgment • Confident public speaking and presentation ability • Effective project management and attention to detail • Strong organizational and time management skills • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or tracking tools Abilities • Work effectively with legislators, agency staff, and partners across political perspectives • Represent the Land Trust professionally and in a non-partisan manner • Build trust and credibility with public officials, funders, and community partners • Translate complex legislative or conservation topics into clear, compelling messages • Navigate legislative processes and timelines under tight deadlines • Anticipate challenges and respond quickly to emerging issues • Balance strategic priorities with day-to-day responsiveness • Collaborate effectively with internal teams to align messaging and relationships • Work effectively as a lobbyist within the regulatory and legislative framework • Read and interpret fiscal notes and committee reports Physical Demands This position is primarily office-based with standard physical demands: • Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods • Ability to occasionally lift files and office supplies up to 20 pounds • Manual dexterity for keyboard and computer use • Clear speech and hearing abilities for phone and in-person communications • Visual acuity for reviewing detailed documents and computer work Mental Demands • Ability to remain calm and maintain composure when working under public scrutiny or in high-visibility situations • Mental stamina to engage in negotiations and discussions requiring sustained focus, patience, and persuasive reasoning • Ability to think clearly and make sound decisions under time pressure and stressful circumstances • Capacity to manage stress and regulate emotional responses during crisis situations or when facing criticism Supervisor: General Counsel Classification: Full time, Exempt Location: St. Paul, MN; Hybrid Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000/year Benefits: For regular, full-time employees, Minnesota Land Trust offers generous time off, 100% employer-paid individual medical insurance, 401(K) plan with match available, and more. To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to [email protected]. Open until filled; Applications will be reviewed starting December 19, 2025. The Minnesota Land Trust is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal opportunity in the performance of essential job functions, and access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, please make a request to your supervisor. Minnesota Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company will not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, genetic information, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for employees who fall within the jurisdiction of such law. Apply tot his job