Working Title: Internal Communications Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91533
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes; hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/11/2026
Closing Date : 03/24/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services Division / Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Work Shift/Work Hours : Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes; occasional
Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) Internal Communications Specialist position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position serves as the agency's lead strategist and advisor for internal communications and supports broad internal communications efforts to benefit the 3,000-5,000 employees of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The individual in this position, plays a central role in connecting employees across the state to the Department's mission, vision, values, goals, objectives, and initiatives while fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel engaged and informed.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead, develop, and execute strategies to connect employees to the agency's mission, vision, values, goals, and initiatives.
Coordinate with internal partners such as Commissioner's Office, HR, Safety, Office of Access and Inclusion and other functional areas to plan and execute internal events, etc.
Create, update, and implement internal communications governance policies, best practices, and/or guidelines.
Identify internal communication needs and direct the creation of new solutions.
Write, edit, and/or proofread content for reports, newsletters, agency-wide communications, and other materials (including legislative, Tribal, Get Out MORE, 4 the Outdoors, etc.).
Work directly with communications director, assistant communications director, other OCO staff, DNR staff and other communications specialists to gather timely and accurate information from internal sources during a crisis or breaking news event.
This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require traveling to OSD meetings, OCO off-site meetings, and DNR events including but not limited to, the State Fair, and the Governor's Fishing or Pheasant Hunting Opener.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional level experience in internal communications strategy and implementation with demonstrated knowledge of AP style, sufficient to write and edit professional error-free content.
A bachelor's degree in internal communications, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Experience in gathering information and creating written deliverables (internal newsletters, video scripts, intranet copy, etc.) based on that information.
Experience with strategies and tactics related to mass email systems, intranet platforms, or other employee-facing internal platforms.
Knowledge of intranet-based U/X and information architecture.
Knowledge of editorial strategies and best practices, and AP style sufficient to effectively communicate a variety of messages to internal audiences.
Project management and facilitation skills sufficient to manage complex communications planning efforts.
Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
Communications and human relations skills sufficient to work in a highly collaborative team environment, and to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a variety of internal stakeholders and communicate effectively and comfortably with state and agency leadership.
Ability to analyze metrics sufficient to translate them into implementable strategies and tactics.
Ability to translate technical material into a clear and concise message for broad internal audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Four (4) years of professional level experience in internal communications strategy and implementation with demonstrated knowledge of AP style, sufficient to write and edit professional, error-free content.
Experience working in government or another complex environment equitable to a mid-to-large size (3,000 to 5,000 employees) organization.
Experience in creating and enforcing governance policies for internal communications platforms.
Experience developing and implementing strategies and tactics related to mass email systems and employee-facing platforms.
Experience with optimizing intranet sites' navigation, content organization and file structure and creating electronic documents, visual and audio products that are accessible to those with disabilities.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position,
with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
