The executive director of the newly-created “Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans” could make up to six figures, according to a new job posting on the State of Minnesota website.
“Make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans!” the job posting reads. “The Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit plus (LGBTQIA2S+) Minnesotans is a state agency that advises the governor, legislature, agency leaders and other stakeholders on matters of interest to Minnesotans in the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”
The salary range for the position is from $43.09 to $61.90 per hour, or up to $129,247 annually.
“The Executive Director will have the unique and exciting role of standing up this new state agency and will serve as the principal administrator and executive for the Council,” the posting explains. “The Director will be responsible for creating and implementing agency procedures and hiring staff as well as convening the Council’s board to identify the priorities of the Council. The Director implements Council decisions and strategic plans, and advocates and advances legislative items and public policies recommended by the Council.”
Some of the minimum qualifications for the executive director include “deep knowledge and understanding” of LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, “professional and progressive leadership experience,” and experience “advocating for policy changes or working through issues of concern for the Minnesotans in the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”
The LGBTQIA2S+ council is a new endeavor created this year by legislation passed during the 2023 session. The council is slated to receive nearly $1 million in funding during the 2024-2025 biennium.
“The council must work for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesota’s community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit,” the legislation that created the council says.
“This may include but is not limited to working with legislators to develop legislation to address issues and to work for passage of legislation. This may also include making recommendations regarding the state’s affirmative action program and the state’s targeted group small business program or working with state agencies and organizations to develop business opportunities and promote economic development for the LGBTQIA2S+ community,” it adds.
Members of the council are appointed by Gov. Tim Walz. Currently 12 members are serving on the council, including Kat Rohn, the executive director of OutFront Minnesota, a far-left LGBTQ advocacy organization.