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: 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.
- Create 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 qualified 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

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jessica Ruthenberg at [email protected] or (phone hidden).

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 Joshua Swanson at [email protected].

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 (phone hidden) or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

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