Director of Boards and Commissions

Position Purpose: The Director of Boards & Commissions in the Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is responsible for managing the work necessary to process the Governor’s board, commission, council, and agency-head appointments. This position is part of the Governor’s Legal and Appointments team and reports to the General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

   1. Board & Agency-Head Appointments

• Formulate and communicate recommendations for hundreds of gubernatorial appointments to the Governor and internal stakeholders
• Conduct due diligence and research on potential candidates for board and agency-head appointments, soliciting and compiling from internal and external stakeholders
• Review statutes to determine qualifications, terms of service, and other requirements for appointments for board and agency-head appointments
• Proactively identify, manage, and resolve issues relating to appointments
• Develop and prioritize key action plans and timelines
• Work with policy, public engagement, tribal state relations, cabinet affairs, external relations, and other Governor’s Office staff to develop and implement appointment processes to fill Cabinet and non-Cabinet agency-head positions (including commissioner, executive directors, and others)

    2. Communications & Relationships

• Ensure strong communications related to appointments between the Governor’s Office, leadership across Cabinet agencies, and interagency leads
• Ensure strong communications and relationships between the Governor’s Office and 160+ boards, commissions, councils, and task forces
• Train and provide orientation for state staff as related to boards and commissions processes
• Lead effective outreach to members of the public and stakeholders to educate about the appointments process and identify and recruit qualified candidates from across Minnesota’s diverse communities
• Answer questions from the public and other stakeholders about boards, board appointees, and board activities
• Work with the Secretary of State’s Office, state agency staff, Governor’s Office staff, and board leadership to identify and publish vacancies and to establish new boards and commissions created by executive order
• Work with the policy department to track and make recommendations regarding pending legislation related to boards and commissions and other appointments
• Collaborate with relevant policy and legal staff on drafting executive orders which establish new task forces or councils

    3. Oversight & Administration

• Oversee boards and commissions staff and interns
• Coordinate and ensure proper filings and correspondence related to the Governor’s appointments
• Review appointments work product (notices of appointment, letters, press releases, etc.) to ensure accuracy
• Keep records of appointments
• Manage communications, including email boxes
• Perform other work as assigned including, but not limited to, work during public health or other emergencies  

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Strong project management skills – ability to drive productivity, track numerous deadlines, solve problems, make decisions, and manage change
• Excellent management, communications, and interpersonal skills
• Critical analysis and familiarity with legal authorities
• Creative and proactive problem-solving skills
• Desire for continuous improvement
• Strong attention to detail
• Discretion
• Familiarity with state government or key stakeholders to various boards and commissions
• Driver’s license and willingness to travel around Minnesota