Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Regional Information Officer - Communications Specialist 2
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Overview
The Department of Natural Resources seeks to fill one Regional Information Officer position in St. Paul, MN. This position leads, develops, and executes a proactive regional communication and outreach program with cross‑divisional and statewide impact. It provides leadership, strategic direction, and guidance on communications, public relations, and outreach issues for the Regional Management Team (RMT). The role coordinates agency-wide, cross‑divisional communications initiatives that are regionally based but have statewide impact. It reports under the administrative direction of the OSD regional manager with program guidance from the assistant communications director and regional director. Location: St. Paul, MN; Telework eligible (up to 50% subject to change); travel required for offsite meetings, events, and media collection (mostly within Minnesota's Central Region). Some overnight travel may be required. Responsibilities
Develop and execute regional communication and outreach efforts with regional and statewide impact, supporting DNR’s strategies and initiatives. Lead statewide communications efforts for events and initiatives originating in or taking place in the region. Develop internal and external communications plans and deliverables for multiple platforms and for regional, divisional, and agency-wide customers, communicating agency priorities and improving end-user experience. Serve as the regional communications authority; provide media training and policy guidance for agency staff and the regional director. Train for and serve as a Public Information Officer on the Regional Incident Support Team (RIST) or Incident Management Team (IMT) as assigned, supporting emergency communications and operations; serve as regional communications coordinator in crisis situations when appropriate. Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional-level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or outreach. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Experience in planning, writing, and editing content for news releases, web, social media, newsletters, public service announcements, radio/television, and related productions. Experience with software to create and edit video, audio, photos, and graphics, including Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of journalistic principles, practices, and techniques for planning, creating, editing, and distributing multi-channel communications. Knowledge of cultural competence to reach diverse audiences. Working knowledge of news media to ensure effective media relations within the region. Organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects. Project management and facilitation skills for complex communications planning. Strong communications and human relations skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and communicate with leadership. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for complex communications challenges. Excellent writing and editing skills with knowledge of AP style to convey information clearly to diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, media, or closely related field. Four (4) years of experience as a communications professional with responsibilities for media relations, PR, writing, editing, planning, and social media/content creation. Experience with natural resource issues or outdoor recreation content. Experience with audience development for websites, newsletters, and social media. Experience with managing sensitive or crisis communications. Experience with accessible document and media production for disabilities. Experience in shooting, editing, and producing video, and providing media content in multiple languages. Strong interpersonal skills and experience with stakeholders, including media, government and partners, educators, and customers/readers. Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record and occasional in-state travel, including events like Governor’s Opener or Commissioner-level events. Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in related environmental conditions with reasonable accommodations. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. A background check is required, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education and employment verification, and license/certification verification. How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us. More information at http://www.mn.gov/careers. For position-specific questions, contact Dave Rickert at Dave.Rickert@state.mn.us or 651-259-5065. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available. Benefits
Benefits include health insurance and a comprehensive package, with options such as paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement benefits. Eligibility varies by employment type, agency, funding, and bargaining agreement. See official job posting for details and conditions. EqualOpportunity: Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity employers and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
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The Department of Natural Resources seeks to fill one Regional Information Officer position in St. Paul, MN. This position leads, develops, and executes a proactive regional communication and outreach program with cross‑divisional and statewide impact. It provides leadership, strategic direction, and guidance on communications, public relations, and outreach issues for the Regional Management Team (RMT). The role coordinates agency-wide, cross‑divisional communications initiatives that are regionally based but have statewide impact. It reports under the administrative direction of the OSD regional manager with program guidance from the assistant communications director and regional director. Location: St. Paul, MN; Telework eligible (up to 50% subject to change); travel required for offsite meetings, events, and media collection (mostly within Minnesota's Central Region). Some overnight travel may be required. Responsibilities
Develop and execute regional communication and outreach efforts with regional and statewide impact, supporting DNR’s strategies and initiatives. Lead statewide communications efforts for events and initiatives originating in or taking place in the region. Develop internal and external communications plans and deliverables for multiple platforms and for regional, divisional, and agency-wide customers, communicating agency priorities and improving end-user experience. Serve as the regional communications authority; provide media training and policy guidance for agency staff and the regional director. Train for and serve as a Public Information Officer on the Regional Incident Support Team (RIST) or Incident Management Team (IMT) as assigned, supporting emergency communications and operations; serve as regional communications coordinator in crisis situations when appropriate. Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional-level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or outreach. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Experience in planning, writing, and editing content for news releases, web, social media, newsletters, public service announcements, radio/television, and related productions. Experience with software to create and edit video, audio, photos, and graphics, including Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of journalistic principles, practices, and techniques for planning, creating, editing, and distributing multi-channel communications. Knowledge of cultural competence to reach diverse audiences. Working knowledge of news media to ensure effective media relations within the region. Organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects. Project management and facilitation skills for complex communications planning. Strong communications and human relations skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and communicate with leadership. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for complex communications challenges. Excellent writing and editing skills with knowledge of AP style to convey information clearly to diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, media, or closely related field. Four (4) years of experience as a communications professional with responsibilities for media relations, PR, writing, editing, planning, and social media/content creation. Experience with natural resource issues or outdoor recreation content. Experience with audience development for websites, newsletters, and social media. Experience with managing sensitive or crisis communications. Experience with accessible document and media production for disabilities. Experience in shooting, editing, and producing video, and providing media content in multiple languages. Strong interpersonal skills and experience with stakeholders, including media, government and partners, educators, and customers/readers. Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record and occasional in-state travel, including events like Governor’s Opener or Commissioner-level events. Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in related environmental conditions with reasonable accommodations. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. A background check is required, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education and employment verification, and license/certification verification. How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or careers@state.mn.us. More information at http://www.mn.gov/careers. For position-specific questions, contact Dave Rickert at Dave.Rickert@state.mn.us or 651-259-5065. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available. Benefits
Benefits include health insurance and a comprehensive package, with options such as paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement benefits. Eligibility varies by employment type, agency, funding, and bargaining agreement. See official job posting for details and conditions. EqualOpportunity: Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity employers and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
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