Working Title: Strategic Communications Planning Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator Supervisor Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91218
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 : 04/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services / OSD OCO Strategic Comms
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes; occasional
Salary Range: $34.11 - $49.39 / hourly; $71,221 - $103,126 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
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 hire one (1) Strategic Communications Planning Supervisor at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position is responsible for supervising strategic communications efforts of the agency that furthers the mission and vision of the department. This position is responsible for supervision, development and implementation of the department's policies and strategies surrounding major external communications planning and deliverables (e.g., strategic agency initiatives, sensitive issues, DNR's public website, social media, Engage with DNR, etc.), internal communication (e.g., intranet, internal newsletters, all-staff emails from senior leadership and Commissioner's Office, etc.), and other critical strategic efforts as assigned. The position works to ensure communications are proactive, timely, strategic, and follow best practices, including consistent voice and messaging across the department's external and internal communications channels. Core responsibilities are achieved through strategic supervision of a team of communications specialists (e.g., internal communications specialist, digital specialist for external communications, social media coordinator, and content creation specialist).
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Supervise select staff in the Strategic Communications Unit, providing guidance, direction and professional development for the team to execute their critical work.
Lead and facilitate critical cross-divisional and regional communications groups and meetings to execute the strategic communications work of the team.
In collaboration with external communications specialist, ensure web and digital governance across DNR digital assets (website, intranet, Engage with DNR, GovDelivery, agency main social media channels, etc.) is appropriately managed and enforced.
Produce and implement critical communications plans, calendars, and tools to ensure strategic vision and cohesive messaging of strategic agency initiatives, programs, projects, events and other activities.
Establish, track, interpret and report on metrics and KPIs of strategic communications functions within OCO and across divisions, as needed.
Coordinate efforts of agency communications teams in response to crisis or sensitive situations.
Participate in, facilitate, and/or support other assigned communications duties.
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, other regions in-state, and for DNR events including but not limited to, the Governor's Fishing or Pheasant Hunting Opener.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years of professional experience in communications, project management, content creation, and social media with demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, and internal/external relations best practices sufficient to provide expertise and advise management and staff on strategies.
A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, media relations, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Supervisory experience sufficient to interview and select staff, assign, schedule, direct, train, evaluate work performance, and discipline reporting program staff.
Experience in long-range and strategic planning, developing programs and procedures, directing projects, and forging partnerships sufficient to organize and implement communications plans and evaluate results.
Knowledge of communications planning and strategies sufficient to survey the communications environment, develop goals and objectives, develop effective messaging, define target audiences, select appropriate strategies, incorporate feedback mechanisms, and evaluate the effectiveness of communications plans over time.
Skills in project management, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating sufficient to implement objectives with tight deadlines and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
Skills in writing and editing, including knowledge of AP style, sufficient to write and edit for a variety of print and digital publications, review and approve the work of others.
Human relations skills sufficient to motivate cross-discipline DNR staff and agency partners to provide support and collaborate on coordinated plans, including, but not limited to, the Governor's Office, Commissioner's Office, and all DNR divisions.
Ability to form relationships and influence decision-making, to work with diverse groups who have divergent ideas and help them identify a common goal.
Ability to interpret and apply related policies, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations sufficient to ensure compliance across the agency.
Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional groups without direct authority and often while navigating competing priorities or agendas.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, media relations, or a closely related field.
Experience working in government or another complex environment equitable to a mid-to-large size (3,000 to 5,000 employees) organization.
Experience with strategic internal and external messaging on digital platforms.
Experience with collecting, analyzing and reporting of key metrics to guide future communications strategies.
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.
