Contract Lobbyist

WHO WE ARE: The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy uses law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, its natural resources, and the health of its people. We work at the legislature, in the courts, and with public agencies to enact, strengthen, and enforce smart environmental laws. We currently work across different program areas: Water, Climate, Northeastern Minnesota, and Healthy Communities. MCEA is a 52-year-old thriving nonprofit with a long-committed donor base and dedicated funders. MCEA does not receive any federal or state funding.

At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences.

To learn more about MCEA’s history and programs, please visit mncenter.org.

SUMMARY: MCEA is accepting proposals to contract with an individual, law firm, or public affairs firm to help manage the legislative agenda during the 2027 session. The contractor will report to the Legislative Director but will also communicate directly with Program Directors, the Chief Impact Officer, and CEO.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Deeply committed to our mission;
• Cleared from conflicts of interest with existing clients;
• Capable of discretion in relation to sensitive and confidential information;
• Organized, efficient, and detail-oriented with the ability to reliably track and follow through on assigned tasks and projects independently;
• Professional and courteous in their interactions and written communications with staff, elected officials, and the public;
• Capable of discretion in relation to sensitive and confidential information;
• Capable of giving and receiving honest and open feedback; and
• Strong relationships with legislators, especially legislative leaders and members on the environment, energy, and agriculture committees.

EXPERIENCE:

• Registered lobbyist, former elected official, or former staff at the Minnesota Legislature and/or with state agencies, particularly the Department of Natural Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce;
• Experience representing public interest organizations, mission-driven non-profits, or environmental groups;
• Knowledge of bill research, drafting, and legislative process; and
• History of passing significant legislation, tracking multiple bills and issue areas, and providing regular updates from the capitol.

CONTRACT TERMS: The successful respondent will be an independent contractor and will not be considered an employee of MCEA. Because this person will not be an employee, the person will not participate in MCEA’s benefits or retirement plans.

This contract is for the 2027 legislative session, from December 2026 to June 2027, with exact start and end dates to be negotiated.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS: The proposal should be no more than five pages, single spaced, and it should address:

• Lobbying and government relations experience of the person or person(s) assigned to this project;
• List of current lobbying clients;
• At least three examples of successful efforts managed on behalf of current or previous clients;
• A description of the respondent’s interest in advancing MCEA’s mission;
• Two references; and
• A cost proposal based on the scope of services and dates of service not to exceed $40,000.

Send to hr@mncenter.org by October 25th, 2026 for priority consideration. Please also indicate in your e-mail where you saw this RFP. If you use AI to prepare any part of your application materials, please disclose that information.

Using AI will not harm or help your application to share this. You must submit all materials directly to this email address – no applications via third party websites will be accepted.

MCEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Contracting organization. All qualified applicants and firms will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.