Minnesota Government Relations Manager

Summary:

For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness ("Friends") has been at the forefront of protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness from threats to this pristine wilderness. Today, proposed copper-nickel sulfide mines threaten the Boundary Waters and the other clean waters of northeastern Minnesota. Friends is seeking a Minnesota Government Relations Manager to serve as Friends' principal liaison to elected and other government officials in Minnesota to advance our mission.

This position will help develop and implement a state legislative strategy. This will include building grassroots support, identifying and implementing actions and communications to support Friends' legislative and policy work, and staying knowledgeable about relevant existing and proposed legislation and regulatory or executive actions. This position will also work with our affiliated 501(c)4, Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network, which does both political and non-political work to advance our mission.

• Reports to the Director of Policy and Advocacy
• Supervises Government Relations Associate and Community Organizer
• Works effectively with all Friends' staff and Board of Directors

• Represents Friends before the Minnesota Legislature and State regulatory agencies
• Builds and manages strong relationships within the Minnesota Legislature, agencies, and local governments and maintains these relationships both during and outside of the legislative sessions
• Works with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to develop and implement strategies for passing Friends legislation
• Implement legislative strategies to secure ENRTF and other public funding
• Attends relevant coalition meetings, government committees and hearings, and events
• Supervises the Government Relations Associate and the Community Organizer
• Work with the Outreach and Events Manager to plan and implement events and other activities to support Friends legislative and policy goals, such as town halls, news conferences and presentations. This also includes an annual Day at the Capitol for supporters to meet with their legislators.
• Works closely with Communications staff to develop advocacy campaigns
• Maintain current knowledge of existing and proposed legislation and regulatory or executive actions that are relevant to the Friends mission
• Work for the Friends affiliated 501(c)4 organization

• 4-6 years of experience in government relations, lobbying and/or working with elected officials
• Knowledge of legislative and executive processes
• Experience communicating with and presenting to a variety of stakeholders, including legislators and their staff, agencies, and other partners
• Ability to communicate complex concepts through verbal and written communication
• Attention to detail and strong follow-through
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Excellent critical and strategic thinking skills

• $80,000 - $90,000 per year salary
• Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan
• In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, the Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters or Quetico.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options
• We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026.

At Friends we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. The Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.