Director of Public Policy and Research

Organization Summary

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is the largest state association of nonprofits in the United States with over 2,100 members from across Minnesota. With a mission to inform, promote, connect, and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector, MCN is committed to building the capacity of nonprofits across Minnesota, and elevating the sector’s influence among policymakers, funders, and the public.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) was founded in 1987 to meet the increasing information needs of nonprofits and to convene nonprofits to address issues facing the sector. The organization accomplishes its mission in five ways: education and professional development, research on nonprofit sector trends and tax and budget issues, public policy, cost savings partnerships, and local, state, and federal advocacy. MCN is dedicated to enhancing and improving cultural humility, intentionally creating inclusive and accessible spaces, and working to end disparities in power, money, access, and resources within the nonprofit sector and in government decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels.

Of note, the Minnesota Budget Project (https://mnbudgetproject.org/about) is an initiative of MCN, that combines research and analysis with advocacy, engagement, and communications strategies to enact policy change, particularly in the areas of equitable and just tax, budget, and economic policies. It is values-aligned and its staff work in close collaboration with other members of MCN’s team. As a parallel program to MCN’s public policy department, Minnesota Budget Project is led by their own Director, who is a key member of MCN’s leadership team.

Overview/Objective

The Public Policy Director is responsible for overseeing and directing the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN’s) public policy and research strategies and objectives, partnering with staff in the organizational efforts to ensure public policy decisions positively impact the Minnesota nonprofit sector’s ability to effectively meet their missions. The Public Policy Director is a key leader at MCN, participating in overall organizational leadership and management and working to raise funds for MCN’s advocacy and research.

MCN’s policy and research staff work as a team to: build and mobilize support for policy initiatives, including through coalitions and alliances; advocate and lobby on issues of importance to the nonprofit sector; conduct research and analysis on critical sector issues; develop and disseminate information to nonprofit organizations, policymakers, media, the public, and other influential and key decision makers; provide training to nonprofits on effective advocacy; and design and implement strategies for increasing civic engagement, including nonpartisan election, census, and redistricting activities.

The right candidate will share MCN’s commitment to its publicly stated values (https://minnesotanonprofits.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mcn-stated-values.pdf); demonstrate humility, curiosity, and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; bring expertise and experience in direct lobbying and advocacy at the state and local levels in Minnesota; and professional or volunteer experience working within the nonprofit sector.

A cover letter (letter of application) and a resume must be included with your application. Applications without a cover letter or a resume will not be reviewed. We will begin reviewing applications starting June 1st, we strongly encourage you to submit before that date. We will continue to accept through June 15th or until it is filled.

Functions and Tasks

Please note that the percentages are general estimates for the position, as focus of the work shifts depending on the time of the year (during legislative session, for example)

Organizational Strategy & Planning (20%)

• Collaborate across departments as a member of the senior leadership team in MCN’s planning, strategy, accountability, and positioning of the nonprofit sector in the community
  
• Develop, oversee, and manage the program budget. In partnership with staff and the development team, build the financial resources, identify potential prospects, meet with funders, and support the development of proposals for funding for MCN’s advocacy activities and policy initiatives
  
• Annually develop and manage the departmental workplan and calendar, including ensuring work at individual, departmental, and organizational levels are aligned with MCN’s stated values and strategic priorities
  
• Attend board meetings and act as a staff liaison to a board of directors committee as needed or assigned by the president & CEO
  
• Supervise the policy and research team, which currently includes public policy manager, research manager, interns, and consultants which may vary as needed. Be familiar with MCN’s personnel policies and practices for effective implementation, hire and train staff in consultation with HR Manager, and conduct regular check ins and performance reviews to provide constructive feedback and guidance
  

Public Policy, Advocacy, and Lobbying (45%)

• Oversee development and implementation of MCN’s annual policy agenda, identify sector issues, strategy, and organizational positions on public policy issues that are relevant to nonprofits with an awareness of the current political landscape and other input, in conjunction with MCN’s president & CEO, board of directors, and other key members of the team
  
• Advocate and lobby on nonprofit and public interest issues at the state, local, and national levels
  
• Offer expertise on high level policy issues that impact the sector both internally and externally and continue to monitor, research, and become familiar on issues as needs arise
  
• Serve as primary point of contact for nonprofits, be the MCN representative, or lead/participate in coalitions around public policy issues that impact the nonprofit sector
  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, represent and advocate for Minnesota’s nonprofit sector in national and cross-sector spaces, and speak or present to a wide array of local and national audiences
  
• Advance MCN’s policy agenda as a skilled communicator through effective engagement with the media, members of the public, elected officials, and other key audiences
  
• In partnership with MCN’s communications and the policy team, develop fun, creative, and engaging materials (online, social media, and print) to engage, mobilize, educate, and inform nonprofits and legislators: position statements, policy updates, legislative one-pagers, and action alerts
  
• Report MCN's lobbying activity as required by law
  

Research, Trainings, Member Support (25%)

• In partnership with MCN’s associate director and with support from the research manager, identify potential new analytic and research projects; oversee the design and implementation of MCN’s research efforts; build on longitudinal data and reports to expand public awareness of the role and contributions of nonprofits and to further and influence Minnesota nonprofit’s public policy goals
  
• In partnership with MCN’s program team and assigned public policy team members, oversee design and implementation of training programs to build and sustain nonprofit capacity and commitment to policy advocacy, on topics such as policy planning, issue development, advocacy, message development, and media advocacy.
  
• Participate or present as a member of the staff in MCN's trainings, convenings, and conferences as needed/appropriate
  
• Engage Minnesota nonprofits and MCN members in public policy action opportunities and civic engagement
  
• Convene the MCN Public Policy Cabinet, a group of over 60 nonprofit leaders who are active in policy work
  
• Contribute to strategic thinking about new ways of reaching MCN’s membership to advance advocacy, and innovative and effective ways to engage nonprofits in public policy
  

Other Responsibilities and Expectations (10%)

MCN values a commitment to learning, curiosity, and self-directed work beyond what is outlined in a formal job description that mutually supports the professional growth of its employees and benefits the organization. In addition to primary duties and departmental work, all positions at MCN are encouraged to engage in work such as participation in organizational committees or projects that advance MCN’s collective strategic and/or operations goals.

In addition,

• Represent MCN in a professional manner with members, visitors, and other constituents at all times
  
• To support the operational stability of the organization and health of individual employees, this position may be cross trained on key activities of other positions to ensure redundancies are in place and asked to temporarily cover duties in the case of business disruptions
  
• Work within the parameters of MCN’s annual operating budget
  
• Work with other staff members to help meet MCN’s goals
  
• Participate or lead in staff meetings and retreats and internal committees as relevant or assigned
  
• Help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals
  
• Demonstrate role-appropriate understanding and responsibility related to the organization’s financial picture and operating budget, as defined by MCN’s Organizational Financial Literacy and Staff Empowerment guide
  
• Perform other job duties as assigned
  

Minimum Qualifications: Education, Experience and Skills

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience working on a full-time basis (or equivalent) in direct lobbying and issue advocacy
  
• Knowledge of government processes and Minnesota’s legislative processes
  
• Demonstrated track record of supporting, developing, and advancing racial equity work with an understanding of how policy issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality
  
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in creating and managing program budgets within a nonprofit organization
  
• Experience in hiring, mentoring, and supervising others
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to articulate a persuasive policy argument and convey technical information clearly to a range of audiences, particularly non-expert audiences
  
• Some experience in direct fundraising, grant writing, or other revenue raising strategies
  
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills
  
• Desire to pursue, develop, and maintain strong external relationships with individuals and community members from a wide variety of backgrounds, ideologies, and political affiliations while maintaining nonpartisanship
  
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities and to meet deadlines
  
• Proven ability to speak to and lead trainings to small and large audiences, both in-person and virtually
  
• Knowledge of and previous experience working with the Microsoft suite including Word, Excel (including basic formulas and functions; creating and editing charts and graphs), Forms (or other comparable surveying tools), and PowerPoint
  
• Experience in working for a direct service nonprofit, having knowledge of the nonprofit sector and issues, and other demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofits
  
• Experience in leading or participating in advocacy coalitions
  
• Willingness and ability to travel statewide (including driving) and nationally, including overnight and multi-day travel
  
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, and manage own time effectively
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Secondary degree or equivalent experience in public policy, political science, or relevant field
  
• Experience advocating to or working with federal and/or local government entities, or state administrative entities
  
• Knowledge of and previous experience with research methods and working with data visualization software or tools
  
• Knowledge of and previous experience working with nonprofit datasets, such as the National Center for Charitable Statistics’ core 990 files, IRS Masterfile of exempt entities, employment data from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development
  
• Previous experience working with or serving on a nonprofit board of directors
  
• In line with MCN’s commitment to place-based support for Greater Minnesota, having a valid driver’s license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and ability to pass a driving background check is strongly preferred
  

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Frequent travel to the Minnesota State Capitol and occasionally to other locations in the Twin Cities metro area and across Greater Minnesota
  
• Requires frequent verbal communication in the form of public speaking in front of groups
  
• Requires frequent use of a telephone, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or other applications, speaking in a clear and understandable manner
  
• Requires frequent participation in repetitive motion activities including typing on a computer keyboard
  
• Frequently requires the ability to work for several hours at a time at a desk and computer monitor
  
• At times, especially during the Minnesota Legislative session (although not limited to), long-hours may be required to meet the demands of the position
  
• Occasional statewide and national travel, including overnight and multi-day travel

Additional Information

Reports to: President and CEO

Classification: Regular, Full-time (40 hours/week), Exempt

Compensation: $95,000 - $115,360 per year (starting range)  

• Compensation at MCN is guided by the board approved Compensation Philosophy (minnesota-council-of-nonprofits-compensation-philosophy.pdf). Pay is designed to be holistically competitive with the market; no matter what an employee earns at MCN, they are at or above market for their position. For this reason, pay outside of the stated range is non-negotiable.

Benefits: It is MCN’s goal to provide employees with a place where they can bring their whole selves to their work, accomplish their goals, and live healthy, balanced lives. Our comprehensive benefits package and supportive work environment encourage individual growth and supports the mutual success of our mission to inform, promote, connect, strengthen Minnesota nonprofits and the entire sector.

• All benefits start day 1 of employment (excluding 403b contributions and match). MCN offers BenefitsMN health insurance and dental insurance with employer contributions for employee and dependents; contribution to health savings account (HSA); 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match; personal wellbeing and development fund, Section 125 (flex) plan, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid time off includes 80 hours of sick and safe time; vacation (22 days) plus personal days (2 days); federal holidays (12 days), parental leave (up to 12 weeks); and summer hours (4 days).
  
• Most benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
  
• For more details, please visit https://minnesotanonprofits.org/career-center/mcn-careers
  

Hours: Flexible and self-directed depending on workload. MCN’s office hours are generally 8:30 am through 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Location: MCN values the importance of place-based roles in developing and sustaining relationships within communities in Minnesota and supporting Minnesota's statewide economy. This position requires the employee to reside in Minnesota and commute frequently between MCN’s St. Paul office and state Capitol especially during the legislative session.

Telework arrangements within Minnesota may be explored with this position’s supervisor and HR. Due to the complexity of varying state labor and tax laws across the United States, work outside of Minnesota is generally not permitted.

Other: The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is recognized as an Employer of National Service with the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, familial status, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), membership or non-membership in a labor organization, sexual orientation, size, status with regard to public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal statute, ordinance or regulation.