Working Title: Marketing, Development and Public Relations Coordinator
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96011
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/13/2026
Closing Date : 09/02/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, occasional evenings will be required for events
Days of Work : Monday - Friday, occasional weekends will be required for events
Travel Required : Yes, occasionally as needed for meetings and events
Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
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 Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Full-time Unlimited Marketing, Development and Public Relations Coordinator - Communications Specialist 2 position located at our Central Office in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
This position supports the Nongame Wildlife Program's (NWP) public engagement team by supporting their vision to inspire, motivate, and empower Minnesotans to conserve our state's rare and vulnerable wildlife, as outlined in Minnesota's Wildlife Action Plan. This position will lead marketing, development, and public relations efforts that increase public awareness and help sustain financial support for the NWP. The incumbent will work closely with the NWP Digital Media Specialist, collaborate with staff statewide, and coordinate with other Division and Department communications staff to ensure consistent and effective communication across the Department of Natural Resources.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and implement a NWP marketing plan and manage the day-to-day operations of the program's marketing channels in coordination with the program's digital media specialist, to engage and inform current and potential NWP supporters.
Cr eate and implement development strategies and plans.
Build relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders, including philanthropic individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations.
Regularly track, summarize and report on donations and sponsorships received.
Advance relationships with media agencies and grow media coverage of the NWP through coordination of media outreach strategies.
Connect with the public and build awareness and appreciation for the NWP through outreach activities.
Implement communication strategies through the production of written and visual content.
Coordinate Critical Habitat License Plate promotions.
Develop outreach event plans, displays, and materials in a strategic manner that supports the program's communication plans.
Understand strategies related to the promotion and funding of the Nongame Wildlife Program, Minnesota's Wildlife Action Plan and overall public engagement in wildlife viewing and nature tourism.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of professional level experience in development (e.g. for a nonprofit organization), communications, marketing, or public relations. A bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, public relations, media, nonprofit management, natural resource communications, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Knowledge of marketing principles, practices, and techniques sufficient to develop a strategic marketing plan.
Experience creating and implementing donor development strategies.
Ability to analyze marketing and development campaign performance metrics and prepare reports that inform future planning.
Experience planning, writing, and editing content for news releases, print materials, web, social media, newsletters, radio actualities, and/or talking points for presentations or video productions.
Experience in media relations and interviews for news outlets, radio, television, and promotional videos.
Demonstrated project management and facilitation skills sufficient to manage complex communications planning efforts, manage time, and meet multiple overlapping deadlines.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to synthesize complex ideas and activities into coherent, compelling presentations and narratives. Skills are sufficient to represent the program and Division in a professional and clear manner.
Experience coordinating the creative production of promotional materials, displays, and media and working with graphic designers, photographers, videographers, printers, and external vendors.
Communications and human relations skills sufficient to work in a highly collaborative team environment, build and maintain relationships with donors, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including DNR staff, DNR leadership, government and nongovernment partners, and news media contacts.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to address complex communications and public relations challenges and translate marketing and development data and insights into strategy.
Skilled in Customer Relationship Management systems (CRM) (e.g. Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365), to assemble, analyze, and synthesize donation data; Microsoft Office suite; and basic graphic design software for simple projects.
Ability to learn and follow departmental review processes and communications standards (e.g. AP style, plain language, and internal brand and style guides).
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, public relations, media, nonprofit management, natural resource communications, or closely related field.
Four (4) years of professional level experience in development (e.g. for a nonprofit organization) communications, marketing, or public relations.
Experience creating and implementing a successful development campaign across multiple communication channels.
Experience writing and/or editing content about natural resource issues and outdoor recreation.
Experience in audience development and donor cultivation.
Knowledge of wildlife and conservation issues (or experience with donor development in support of conservation) sufficient to produce content that advances conservation action and support for the NWP.
Knowledge of community-based social marketing or similar behavior change approaches sufficient to develop effective communications strategies that inspire and motivate conservation actions as outlined in Minnesota's Wildlife Action Plan.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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.
