Agency Policy Specialist - Legislative Liaison

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Job Details

Working Title: Legislative Liaison

Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist

Agency: Teachers Retirement Association

• Job ID: 98046
• 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: 10/28/2026
• Closing Date: 11/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / Teachers Retirement Asc-MAPE
• Division/Unit: TRA Operations / Legal and Legislative Department
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 50%
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• 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 youll 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

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates who have a strong background in public policy development and who are skilled in legal research, drafting of legal documents and/or legislation, and creating/delivering written and oral presentations for TRA's Legislative Liaison role.

Our Legislative Liaison position is responsible for coordinating legislative activities and statutory changes impacting the administration and governance of the TRA. The position closely collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer, other members of the Executive team, and the Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director to develop and implement policy objectives and legislative strategy. The position also assists the Executive team, TRA management, and the TRA Board of Trustees by conducting research and analysis on ideas for policy and statutory changes. In consultation with the Government Relations & Stakeholder Outreach Director, this position engages with stakeholders, including plan participants, member and employer representatives, legislators, legislative staff, executive branch agencies, and the Governor's office to gather feedback on and build support for agency goals and plan changes, and provide education regarding TRA plan provisions and public pension plans generally. This position represents the agency by testifying at legislative hearings and interacting and collaborating with the other Minnesota pension systems.

This position is located at our St. Paul, Minnesota office, and will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes regular in-person work in order to perform the essential job duties. Substantial business travel will be required throughout Minnesota, up to 50%.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of progressive work experience in public policy development, specializing in legal research, drafting of legal documents and/or legislation, and creating/delivering written and oral presentations.

A Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Work experience must also demonstrate the following:

• Experience in collecting and evaluating programmatic data in order to inform decision-making and streamline operational workflows to support organizational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex state and federal financial and/or retirement laws and regulations, as well as state government data privacy requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to monitor, review, analyze, and advise on public policy topics, legislative bills, and/or laws.
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to successfully lead, manage, and deliver multiple high-priority legislative projects simultaneously.
• Advanced oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate and consult on complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences (e.g., Executive Management, the TRA Board of Trustees, legislators, etc).
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, as well as foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• Ability to work in a nonpartisan environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Cisco WebEx, and/or various equivalent software platforms.

Successful candidates must also possess the ability to secure their own transportation for substantial business travel and in-person work throughout Minnesota.

Preferred Qualifications

An Advanced Degree in Legal Studies, Business Law, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience presenting complex legislative and/or regulatory changes to executive management, board of trustees, legislators, etc.

Leadership experience in guiding, coaching, providing constructive feedback, and motivating others within a public sector environment.

Experience working in a government entity that provides financial or pension services.

In-depth knowledge of Minnesota's legislative process.

Knowledge of pension and/or retirement plan design, function, and administration.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check.

It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employee Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Drivers License Check

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.

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 Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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.

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location.

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.