State Program Admin Coordinator- Tribal Liaison

State Program Admin Coordinator

• Tribal Liaison State of Minnesota
• Public Utilities Comm Saint Paul, MN Job Details Full-time $37.26
• $55.

42 an hour 12 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Pension plan Employee assistance program Vision insurance Loan forgiveness Life insurance Qualifications Project timeline management

Full Job Description Job Details Working Title:

Tribal Liaison Job Class:

State Program Administrator, Coordinator Agency:

Public Utilities Commission Job ID :

94046

Location :

St.

Paul Telework Eligible :

Yes, see note

Full/Part Time :

Full-Time Regular/Temporary :

Unlimited Who May Apply :

Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted :

05/08/2026

Closing Date :

06/01/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit :

Public Utilities Commission /

MAPE Division/Unit :

Communications Work Shift/Work Hours :

Day Shift Days of Work :

Monday

• Friday Travel Required :

  Yes
• Up to 25% of the time

Salary Range:

$37.26

• $55.42 / hourly; $77,798
• $115,716 / 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 Are you committed to strengthening relationships between state government and Tribal Nations? The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is seeking a skilled and collaborative Tribal Liaison to lead the agency's efforts in supporting effective, respectful, and transparent government relations with the 11 Tribal Nations that share geography with Minnesota. In this key role, you will help ensure the PUC upholds state law related to Tribal consultation and works in partnership with Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, and community members. What You'll Do Build and strengthen relationships : Serve as the PUC's primary external point of contact for Tribal Nations. You will build and maintain strong, respectful partnerships through consistent communication, participation in meetings, and collaboration with Tribal leaders, staff, and community representatives. Provide expert guidance to agency leadership : Advise commissioners, the Executive Team, and staff on matters related to Tribal sovereignty, culture, consultation requirements, jurisdictional considerations, and how PUC programs or dockets may uniquely impact Tribal Nations. Help integrate Tribal perspectives into agency priorities and decision-making. Lead and coordinate Tribal consultation efforts : Prepare for, implement, and help facilitate annual Tribal consultations. Coordinate related communications, gather and document Tribal feedback, and support consistency across PUC divisions. Support development of policies, procedures, and regulatory processes : Identify gaps in agency policies and work with leaders to develop processes and best practice guidance that support meaningful and effective Tribal state relations. Coordinate training and build internal capacity : Promote and support staff participation in Tribal State Relations Training (TSRT) and other relevant opportunities. Provide internal training and resources to help PUC employees understand Tribal governments, history, treaties, and how their work intersects with Tribal interests. Facilitate outreach and engagement : Organize meetings, prepare materials, represent the PUC at Tribal related events, and collaborate with state agencies, MIAC, and partner organizations to improve communication and coordination.

Please Note:

This career opportunity is based at the PUC offices in St. Paul, MN and is not available for full-time remote work. This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings). Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Four (4) years of professional experience working with Tribal Nations, urban Indian communities, underserved or diverse communities, or relevant governmental or community-based organizations in policy development, coordination, advocacy, or related program work. Experience must include demonstrated knowledge of Tribal sovereignty, self-governance, treaties, and cultural considerations. Experience working with or within the context of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations. Strong project management skills, including experience coordinating cross-agency or cross-organizational projects involving multiple stakeholders

• such as Tribal governments, community organizations, or other underserved or diverse groups.

Must demonstrate ability to independently plan, implement, track, and manage project timelines, deliverables, and engagement processes, particularly in the context of Tribal relations or other equity-focused work. A Bachelor's degree in Native American Studies, Public Policy, Law, Political Science, or a related field as determined by the agency may substitute as one (1) year of professional experience, a Master's degree may substitute as eighteen (18) months of professional experience. Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following: Extensive planning, and organizational skills Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop and present clear, concise, and culturally competent materials, presentations, and reports related to Tribal relations and policy, with experience in leading and facilitating meetings, consultations, and trainings with diverse groups, including Tribal leaders, government officials, and the public. Ability to collaborate effectively with both internal (e.g., commissioners, senior leadership, employees) and external stakeholders (e.g., Tribal leaders, state agencies, other governmental entities), with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, and community members Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, policies, and procedures Ability to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve critical management issues Preferred Qualifications Strong understanding of energy issues

• specifically gas, electric, and telephone services, including how energy infrastructure, regulation, and utility activities uniquely affect Tribal Nations.

Ability to apply this understanding to consultation, policy evaluation, and relationship building with Tribal governments. Experience developing and implementing Tribal related policy , procedures, or agreements that impact Tribal communities and align with statutory requirements such as Minnesota Statutes section 10.65 and Executive Order 1924. Experience advising leadership and navigating complex policy questions involving Tribal Nations. Demonstrated understanding of the cultural traditions, values, and governance structures of Minnesota's Tribal Nations, with the ability to approach sensitive issues with diplomacy, cultural awareness, and respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Experience designing, delivering, and facilitating training on Tribal State relations, sovereignty, history, and cultural competency. Ability to develop internal capacity building programs that strengthen staff understanding of Tribal issues and improve Tribal state relationships. Ability to analyze complex issues involving Tribal governance, law, and policy; identify impacts; and facilitate productive dialogue between Tribal Nations and state agencies. Experience resolving conflicts or helping parties navigate challenging or sensitive topics. Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening. 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 . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Jennifer Forside at or 651-539-1066. 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 Jennifer Forside at . About the Public Utilities Commission The mission of the Commission is to improve the lives of all Minnesotans by ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable utility services at just and reasonable rates. 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 and let us know the support you need.