Strategic Communications Planning Supervisor - State Prog Admin Supv Prin

Job Details

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: 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.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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

Application Details

How to Apply

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Erik Evans at erik.evans@state.mn.us or 651-259-5342.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

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.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• 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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.