Specifications include, but are not limited to: Promote and defend the County’s legislative priorities at the Minnesota Legislature by drafting bills, scheduling meetings, working with legislative authors and staffers to secure hearings, arranging testimony by County leaders, and lobbying committee members. Ensure the County’s interests are advanced and protected, including both policy and financial interests, at the State Legislature and State Executive branch agencies. Work with County staff for necessary research and testimony to support the County’s legislative priorities. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Legislators who represent Carver County, Legislators serving on key committees, officials within State administrative agencies, and representatives of other associations or agencies of which Carver County is a member of in order to promote and protect the County’s interests. Collaborate with County staff to prepare background materials in support of activities, to include (but not limited to) talking points, whitepapers and press releases. Monitor activity related to County priorities relevant to County operations and financing. Lobby proactively—for and against—legislation that the County Board and Administration identifies as pertinent to the County’s residents. Provide legislative consultation on public relations, strategy and analysis, including the creation of annual legislative priorities in consultation with Administrator, Board and key County staff members. Identify emerging issues that may impact the County for consideration of future legislative priorities or County Board of Commissioners’ action. Communicate with County staff and elected officials, as needed, and attend County Board meetings, work sessions, and legislative committee meetings as necessary. Cooperate with other counties, agencies and partners in identifying and supporting jointly beneficial legislative priorities and funding. Collaborate with any of Carver County’s Federal legislative lobbying efforts, when appropriate. Assist County staff in encouraging state elected leaders to attend County events (groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings) as requested. Provide updated status reports on efforts undertaken in support of the above activities. Provide end-of-session report on activities and the result of items in the County’s legislative priorities list.