Marketing, Development and Public Relations Coordinator - Communications Specialist 2

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources • Location: St. Paul • Telework eligible: Yes, up to 50% • Full-time, unlimited position

About the role

This position supports the Nongame Wildlife Program's (NWP) public engagement team by leading marketing, development, and public relations efforts that increase public awareness and 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

• 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.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of professional 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.
• 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• 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), 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).
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; must be 18 years of age or older to operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Background check required prior to employment, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference/records check, and license/certification verification.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Schedule

• Day shift, with occasional evenings required for events.
• Monday - Friday, with occasional weekends required for events.
• Travel required occasionally for meetings and events.

Pay

$29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually

Benefits

• 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.
• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, including chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.