Legislative Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Details
Working Title: Legislative Liaison
Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist
Agency: Public Employees Retirement Association

• Job ID: 96542
• 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: 09/02/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Public Employees Retire Association / Pub Employ Retire Assoc-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Executive Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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 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
Help Shape Public Policy That Impacts Minnesota's Public Employees
The Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) is seeking a collaborative and analytical public policy professional to lead legislative and policy initiatives that support the governance, administration, and long-term sustainability of Minnesota's public retirement system.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to PERA leadership and the Board of Trustees, providing research, analysis, and strategic guidance on legislative proposals, statutory changes, retirement plan design, and emerging public policy issues. You will monitor and evaluate legislation, regulatory developments, and industry trends that may impact PERA, translating complex information into actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making.
Working closely with the Executive Director, you will help develop and advance PERA's legislative and public policy priorities by conducting legal and policy research, analyzing potential impacts of proposed legislation, drafting policy recommendations, and supporting the development of legislative strategies. You will also lead and coordinate policy-related projects from concept through implementation, ensuring successful outcomes through effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
A key aspect of this role is building and maintaining productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including legislators, legislative staff, plan participants, employer representatives, Board members, and other public pension organizations. Through collaboration, communication, and consensus building, you will gather feedback, promote understanding of policy initiatives, and help advance PERA's strategic objectives.
As a representative of the agency, you will prepare and deliver presentations, provide testimony at legislative hearings, communicate complex retirement and public policy issues to a variety of audiences, and serve as a knowledgeable resource on matters affecting public pension administration and governance.
If you are passionate about public policy, legislative affairs, and using research and collaboration to influence decisions that affect thousands of Minnesota public employees and retirees, we encourage you to apply.
This position is telework eligible and offers a hybrid work schedule, based on agency and department needs. Scheduled in-office workdays will be at the PERA office, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Candidates residing in Minnesota within 50 miles of our St Paul office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.
• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from our office may be eligible to telework more than 50%.
• Candidates residing in a bordering state within 50 miles of our office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.
• Candidates who do not reside in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the office in a state bordering Minnesota are not eligible to be hired, unless planning to relocate within 50 miles of the office or report to the office full time.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending day, month, and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Three (3) years of professional experience developing public policies that includes performing legal research, drafting legal documents, legislation or rules and providing formal written and oral advice/presentations.
• Monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing public policy issues, legislation, and regulatory changes and providing recommendations.
• Developing, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Preparing and delivering written and oral communications, including presentations on complex topics for a variety of audiences using business software to create spreadsheets, presentations, charts, graphs, and other materials and applying complex information to support decision-making.

Minimum qualifications that will be assessed during the interview process:

• Building and maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders and collaborating across organizations and functions.
• Leading projects by establishing goals, identifying risks, implementing contingency plans, and evaluating outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's or master's degree in political science, public administration, communication, business, law, or equivalent field.
• Experience working in a government entity that provides financial or pension services.
• Working knowledge of Minnesota's legislative process.
• Working knowledge of public pension plans relating to principals, design, related legal/actuarial concepts, and public pension plan financial reporting/compliance requirements.

Additional Requirements
It is the policy of the Retirement Systems of MN that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past State employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver's License Check
**The Retirement Systems will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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
Contact PERA Human Resources at PERAHR@mnpera.org if:
• You have questions about this position
• You are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview
• You wish to receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, e-mail the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to PERAHR@mnpera.org .
Veterans
To be considered for any Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application.
RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV) : Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must:
1. Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
2. Meet all of the RSV criteria.
3. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: PERAHR@mnpera.org
CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you:
1. Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
2. Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability.
3. Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
4. You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: PERAHR@mnpera.org
About Public Employees Retirement Association
At the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), we help Minnesota's public servants build a secure retirement. As a tax-qualified retirement system under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, PERA administers several retirement plans that serve nearly 500,000 current and former public employees and provide monthly benefits to more than 139,000 retirees, individuals with disabilities, and survivors.
Our members include firefighters, nurses, social workers, snowplow drivers, police officers, paraprofessionals, and many others who keep Minnesota communities strong. Funded primarily through employee and employer contributions and investment earnings, PERA is proud to provide trusted retirement benefits and exceptional service to the people who dedicate their careers to serving others
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
• 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.