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.

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is seeking a Labor Relations Consultant to play a vital role in shaping the State of Minnesota’s labor relations strategy, serving as a trusted advisor and expert negotiator for agencies across the enterprise. This position works at the center of complex and high-impact labor matters by facilitating constructive relationships with union representatives, guiding agencies through sensitive workplace issues, and helping ensure the accurate and consistent interpretation of labor agreements.

This role blends strategic thinking, diplomacy, and technical expertise, offering opportunities to influence statewide policy, lead negotiations, and elevate labor relations practices through training, consultation, and partnership. This position is well-suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative HR environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is motivated by work that strengthens the State’s workforce.

Job duties for this position include:

• Leading and assisting in negotiating labor contracts, including serving as chief spokesperson and formulating contract proposals
• Guiding agencies in the consistent administration and interpretation of labor agreements, including advising on investigations, negotiations,  and grievance management
• Independently investigating, negotiating, and presenting grievance arbitration cases, including those with complex or statewide impact
• Developing and delivering labor relations training to supervisors, managers, and agency staff to strengthen statewide labor relations knowledge and practices
• Contributing to statewide labor relations policy development, legislative preparation, and major studies including participation in labor-management committees

Telework options for this position are dependent on where the employee lives. With approval, employees that live within 50 miles from the primary work location may telework up to 50%. Employees that live 50 miles or more from the primary location and live in Minnesota may telework more than 50% with approval.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Candidates must clearly demonstrate all the following qualifications on their resume. Resume tips are available here.

• Three (3) years of experience* performing labor relations functions, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements and providing consultation on contract administration interpretation
• To qualify for the Labor Relations Consultant 3 classification, applicants must possess four (4) years of similar experience.
• To qualify for the Labor Relations Consultant 4 classification, applicants must possess five (5) years of similar experience.

*A bachelor’s degree in human resources, industrial relations, business administration, or public administration may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for eighteen months of experience. A doctorate degree in a similar field or a JD may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Experience must include:

• Representing or advocating for management in collective bargaining or participating in arbitration/mediation
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills sufficient to analyze a variety of complex labor relations issues, interpret labor agreements and policies, and recommend sound solutions
• Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient convey complex and sometimes contentious information to a variety of audiences so effective relationships are maintained with stakeholders
• Writing skills sufficient to draft clear and effective contract proposals and language for labor agreements
• Knowledge of relevant employment laws and the Public Employment Labor Relations Act 
• Demonstrated respect for diversity and a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

MMB values diverse perspectives and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the preferred qualifications. Your unique skills and background might be just what we need!

• Master’s degree in human resources or industrial relations OR a JD
• Experience with public sector labor relations/human resources (city, county, state, federal, or Tribal)
• Demonstrated success in representing management in arbitration hearings involving complex contract interpretation, discipline, and policy disputes
• Proven ability to develop negotiation strategy, draft proposals, and proposal analytics to support contract bargaining and labor-management initiatives

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of Minnesota Management and Budget that a successful candidate must pass all required checks prior to employment which may consist of the below checks:

• SEMA4 records check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal history check
• Reference check
• Social Security and address verification
• Education verification
• Conflict of interest review
• Other legally or internal policy required checks

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify candidates, and each case will be reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with fair and equitable hiring practices. 

Minnesota Management & Budget does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota Management & Budget will not sponsor applicant work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

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 Jake Pleschourt at [email protected].

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 Jake Pleschourt at [email protected].

MMB may choose to non-competitively interview certain disabled veterans (CDVs). To receive consideration as a CDV under M.S. 43A.111, you must:

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. Submit all documentation by the closing date to Jake Pleschourt at [email protected].

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jake Pleschourt at [email protected] or 651-201-2567.

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
• Tuition reimbursement 
• 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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.