Working Title: Communications and Strategic Outreach Section Manager
Job Class: Natural Resources Section Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 96390
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% of the time
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 08/21/2026
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Closing Date: 09/10/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: No
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Salary Range: $46.51 - $66.81 / hourly; $97,112 - $139,499 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan/Unrepresented
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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) Communications and Strategic Outreach Section Manager position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position manages Division of Fish and Wildlife outreach functions including publishing public information through a variety of print and digital channels, media relations, and marketing. It also manages programs designed to reduce barriers for people to fish or hunt—such as providing learn-to-fish and learn-to-hunt opportunities for families and adults, coordinating a statewide program that supports experienced anglers and hunters as volunteer mentors or instructors on fishing and hunting, and by managing organizational partnerships, contracts and grants.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Provide leadership and supervision for the Outreach Section so that applicable labor agreements and work plans are equitably administered, and employees effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve annual and long-range objectives of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
- Direct the division integrated public relations program so that fish and wildlife division public information is clearly and strategically communicated internally and externally.
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Manage the hunter and angler recruitment and retention programs to ensure that youth and mentored hunts, the National Archery in the Schools Program, volunteer mentor program, SE Asian community outreach, and other angler and hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation outreach efforts, such as marketing and public information are achieving agency goals.
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Direct the Division’s fishing and hunting license sales marketing programs to ensure that license sales and promotion efforts are achieving agency goals.
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Direct and manage a comprehensive statewide partnerships program so that the Division has a thriving, diverse network of partnerships across the state that assists with resource management, promotions (special events), and angler and hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation (serving as volunteer instructors or mentors).
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Provide service leadership to and for the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and Division Management Team (DMT), relevant statewide committees, and agency priority projects.
This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location in Saint Paul, MN 3 days per week. This position will require traveling within the state of MN occasionally, and for regional or national conferences.
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A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, environmental education, fisheries or wildlife biology, ecology, or a closely related field.
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Experience in long-range and strategic planning sufficient to develop operational plans, procedures, and to direct projects.
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Managerial or supervisory experience directing and overseeing programs, and staff, sufficient to monitor, advise, and support section operations.
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Experience in applying principles of budgeting and fiscal management sufficient to oversee and administer budgets.
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Knowledge of marketing principles sufficient to publish public information through a variety of print and digital channels, media relations, and marketing.
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Knowledge of policy development, organizational development, and program evaluation, sufficient to accomplish division and agency goals.
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Organizational skills sufficient to balance goals, and focus on long-range issues and directions, while meeting short-term operational demands, and anticipating future expectations.
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Communications skills sufficient to create and maintain partnerships with outside interests and groups, interests include but are not limited to, lake associations, angling groups, hunting groups, advocacy groups, private industry, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
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Communication skills sufficient to convey complex technical issues in a patient and understandable way to uninitiated audiences, stakeholders, and the media via verbal, written, and group facilitation and presentation methods.
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Human relation skills to carry out actions in a diplomatic and sensitive way with staff and stakeholders. Guide and encourage staff.
- Technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills sufficient to identify, develop, and continually improve state of the art approaches, strategies, and systems that will benefit fish and wildlife.
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Ability to set long term and short-term goals and objectives that equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.
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Knowledge and understanding of recruitment and retention research and best management practices.
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Experience in assessments of stakeholder satisfaction sufficient to guide and adjust program delivery with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Knowledge of human resources management sufficient to manage and successfully develop the section’s staff.
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Four (4) years of experience in applying the laws, regulations, rules, principles, research practices, and procedures of fish and wildlife management or communicating about natural resource management and outdoor recreation.
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Knowledge of crisis communications, and risk approaches sufficient to respond in a timely manner with well-received and accurate information.
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:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Jason Moeckel at [email protected] or 651-259-5240.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Jordan Krueger at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
