Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications - Communications Specialist
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Working Title:
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
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 is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by offering comprehensive benefits, support resources, and training opportunities.
The DNR seeks a Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications to manage the agency’s main digital platforms—website, mass email system, and public engagement portal. The specialist will lead governance, strategy, and content creation, provide training to staff, and collaborate with MNIT and communications partners to align digital initiatives with the Department’s mission.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with MNIT, Communications, and Outreach staff to develop a comprehensive agency‑wide web strategy.
Lead and implement web governance by planning content priorities and creating policies that incorporate SEO, plain language, and accessibility best practices.
Oversee the mass email system (GovDelivery), advise administrators on best practices, and explore opportunities to expand customer email lists in compliance with state privacy rules.
Ensure division and regional staff receive the information, tools, and training needed to engage with the public.
Collect, review, and analyze data and metrics while maintaining website accessibility and compliance.
Create and implement communications plans, strategies, and tactics for DNR initiatives, supporting crisis communications as needed.
Telework may be available up to 50% of the time. The role requires travel to OSD meetings, OCO off‑site events, and state events such as the State Fair and Governor’s fishing or pheasant hunting openings.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of professional experience in external digital communications strategy and implementation, with knowledge of website governance best practices and AP style writing.
Skills with industry‑standard content management systems (Drupal, WordPress, Kentico, etc.) to create and update web assets.
Project management experience, including planning and resource negotiation to ensure successful project completion.
Experience gathering information and producing written deliverables from that information.
Knowledge of communications best practices—writing, editing, planning, KPI setting, and reporting.
Proficiency with office technology (e.g., Microsoft 365) and data management tools for analytics and synthesis.
Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and relationship building with diverse stakeholders, including state and agency leadership.
Ability to analyze metrics and translate findings into actionable strategies and tactics.
Capability to facilitate large groups and lead complex projects.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
Experience working in a government or complex, mid‑to‑large organization (3,000–5,000 employees).
Proven ability to develop a comprehensive web strategy for an agency.
Experience creating and enforcing governance policies for communication platforms.
Experience with mass email system strategies and tactics.
Experience optimizing websites and producing accessible electronic documents, multimedia, and educational content.
Additional Requirements
Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clean record.
Physical ability to meet job conditions, with or without accommodations.
Verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, meeting federal requirements.
Background check including conflict of interest review, criminal history, education verification, employment/records, and licensing checks.
How To Apply Choose “Apply for Job” at the top of the page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email
careers@state.mn.us . Additional application details:
MN Careers .
Contact: Erik Evans,
erik.evans@state.mn.us , 651‑259‑5342.
ADA Coordinator: ADA.DNR@state.mn.us; Connect 700 Program: Tava Cayo,
tava.cayo@state.mn.us .
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays per year
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans (including fertility, diabetes, and orthodontic care)
6‑week paid parental leave for newborn or adopted children
Pension plan after at least three years of service
Employer‑paid life insurance
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
Tax‑free health, dental, and dependent care expense accounts
Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
Career Development & Support
Training, classes, and professional development programs
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility for some positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for life‑work support, covering mental health, relationships, grief, finances, legal issues, and daily living services
Equal Opportunity Employer Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers committed to a workforce reflecting diversity, including people of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Applicants With Disabilities Reasonable accommodations are available. Contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email
careers@state.mn.us
for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
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 is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by offering comprehensive benefits, support resources, and training opportunities.
The DNR seeks a Lead Digital Specialist for External Communications to manage the agency’s main digital platforms—website, mass email system, and public engagement portal. The specialist will lead governance, strategy, and content creation, provide training to staff, and collaborate with MNIT and communications partners to align digital initiatives with the Department’s mission.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with MNIT, Communications, and Outreach staff to develop a comprehensive agency‑wide web strategy.
Lead and implement web governance by planning content priorities and creating policies that incorporate SEO, plain language, and accessibility best practices.
Oversee the mass email system (GovDelivery), advise administrators on best practices, and explore opportunities to expand customer email lists in compliance with state privacy rules.
Ensure division and regional staff receive the information, tools, and training needed to engage with the public.
Collect, review, and analyze data and metrics while maintaining website accessibility and compliance.
Create and implement communications plans, strategies, and tactics for DNR initiatives, supporting crisis communications as needed.
Telework may be available up to 50% of the time. The role requires travel to OSD meetings, OCO off‑site events, and state events such as the State Fair and Governor’s fishing or pheasant hunting openings.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of professional experience in external digital communications strategy and implementation, with knowledge of website governance best practices and AP style writing.
Skills with industry‑standard content management systems (Drupal, WordPress, Kentico, etc.) to create and update web assets.
Project management experience, including planning and resource negotiation to ensure successful project completion.
Experience gathering information and producing written deliverables from that information.
Knowledge of communications best practices—writing, editing, planning, KPI setting, and reporting.
Proficiency with office technology (e.g., Microsoft 365) and data management tools for analytics and synthesis.
Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and relationship building with diverse stakeholders, including state and agency leadership.
Ability to analyze metrics and translate findings into actionable strategies and tactics.
Capability to facilitate large groups and lead complex projects.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
Experience working in a government or complex, mid‑to‑large organization (3,000–5,000 employees).
Proven ability to develop a comprehensive web strategy for an agency.
Experience creating and enforcing governance policies for communication platforms.
Experience with mass email system strategies and tactics.
Experience optimizing websites and producing accessible electronic documents, multimedia, and educational content.
Additional Requirements
Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clean record.
Physical ability to meet job conditions, with or without accommodations.
Verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, meeting federal requirements.
Background check including conflict of interest review, criminal history, education verification, employment/records, and licensing checks.
How To Apply Choose “Apply for Job” at the top of the page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email
careers@state.mn.us . Additional application details:
MN Careers .
Contact: Erik Evans,
erik.evans@state.mn.us , 651‑259‑5342.
ADA Coordinator: ADA.DNR@state.mn.us; Connect 700 Program: Tava Cayo,
tava.cayo@state.mn.us .
Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays per year
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans (including fertility, diabetes, and orthodontic care)
6‑week paid parental leave for newborn or adopted children
Pension plan after at least three years of service
Employer‑paid life insurance
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
Tax‑free health, dental, and dependent care expense accounts
Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being
Career Development & Support
Training, classes, and professional development programs
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility for some positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for life‑work support, covering mental health, relationships, grief, finances, legal issues, and daily living services
Equal Opportunity Employer Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers committed to a workforce reflecting diversity, including people of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Applicants With Disabilities Reasonable accommodations are available. Contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email
careers@state.mn.us
for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr