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Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications
Job Class: Communications Specialist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91828
  • 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: 03/24/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Operations Services / OSD OCO Strategic Comms
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes; occasional
  • Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,723 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Non-exempt
  • 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) Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications at our central office in Saint Paul, MN. 

This position will help the agency achieve its natural resources, recreation, communication and public engagement goals by ensuring the agency's main digital communications platforms (website, mass email system, public engagement portal etc.) are strategically managed to meet the business, informational and accessibility needs of the agency and its customers. The position will lead the Department's governance operations and strategy for the agency’s website, mass email system, and public engagement portal. The incumbent will lead, coordinate, and create content and provide training and guidance to other agency staff regarding digital media management and best practices, in collaboration with MNIT staff. This person will advise on, create, and execute communications plans and strategies for strategic DNR initiatives in alignment with the Department’s mission. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Collaborate with staff from MNIT and the Office of Communications and Outreach on the development of a comprehensive agency-wide web strategy.
  • Lead and implement DNR’s web governance by planning and coordinating web content priorities and developing governance policies and procedures using industry best practices (SEO, plain language etc.). 
  • Lead and oversee DNR’s mass email system (GovDelivery) governance and strategy and advise GovDelivery administrators on best practices for email communication and marketing and identify new opportunities for customer email addresses for GovDelivery lists (in keeping with state data privacy requirements).
  • Ensure division and regional staff have the information, tools, and training they need to engage with the public.
  • Collect, review and analyze data and metrics, while ensuring accessibility and compliance of the public website.
  • Create and implement communications plans, strategies and tactics for DNR initiatives while supporting crisis communications efforts.

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, and DNR events in-state including but not limited to, the State Fair, and the Governor's Fishing or Pheasant Hunting Opener.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three (3) years of professional level experience in external digital communications strategy and implementation with demonstrated knowledge of website governance best practices, experience with AP style sufficient to write and edit professional and error-free content.
    • A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience
  • Skills with industry standard content management system platforms (e.g. Drupal, WordPress, Kentico, etc.) sufficient to create new web assets and update existing assets.
  • Experience using project management best practices; project planning, and operations sufficient to organize projects and negotiate for resources to ensure the successful completion of projects.
  • Experience in gathering information and creating written deliverables based on that information.
  • Knowledge of communications best practices including writing, editing, communications planning and implementation, goal and KPI setting, and reporting.
  • Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft 365, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
  • Communications and human relations skills sufficient to work in a highly collaborative team environment, and to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders and communicate effectively and comfortably with state and agency leadership.
  • Ability to analyze metrics sufficient to translate them into implementable strategies and tactics. 
  • Ability to facilitate large groups and lead large and complex projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, 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.
  • Skills sufficient to develop a comprehensive web strategy for the agency. 
  • Experience in creating and enforcing governance policies for communications platforms.
  • Experience with strategies and tactics related to mass email systems.
  • Experience with optimizing websites and creating electronic documents, products, video and audio that are accessible to those with disabilities.

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.