Tribal Relations Director

Working Title: Tribal Relations Director

Job Class: State Program Administrator Director

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 90050

• Location : St. Paul or other DNR offices

• 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 : 11/11/2025

• Closing Date : 12/01/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Commissioner's Office / Government Relations

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $37.60 - $54.16 / hourly; $78,508 - $113,086 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a thoughtful, collaborative leader to serve as Director of Tribal Relations. This position leads the DNR's Tribal Relations Unit and plays a key role in building and strengthening relationships between the DNR and Minnesota's eleven Tribal Nations.

The Director provides strategic leadership, guidance, and expertise on Tribal relations across the agency to ensure a unified "One DNR" approach that honors Tribal sovereignty and fosters mutual respect and collaboration.

Because this position operates with limited administrative support, the Director also manages a range of administrative and logistical activities-such as scheduling, correspondence, budget tracking, and coordination of meetings and consultation events-to ensure smooth operations of the Tribal Relations Unit.

Responsibilities include:

1. Lead and support the Tribal Relations Unit by developing clear work plans, supervising staff, and ensuring team efforts align with agency goals and priorities.

2. Strengthen and maintain meaningful, government-to-government relationships between Tribal Nations, the Minnesota DNR, and other state and federal partners.

3. Champion the integration of Tribal perspectives into DNR programs, policies, and decisions related to the stewardship of Minnesota's natural resources.

4. Lead and contribute to the Tribal-State Relations Training program, helping DNR employees build cultural understanding and capacity for effective consultation and collaboration.

5. Manage day-to-day operations of the Tribal Relations Unit, including administrative, communication, and coordination tasks.

The preferred work location for this position is St. Paul, though other DNR offices may be considered. 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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in Tribal relations, including work involving American Indian policy, natural resource management, or intergovernmental coordination.

• At least two (2) years of this experience must be in a supervisory or lead role.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Ability to build trust and credibility within the American Indian community, and to develop authentic, respectful relationships across differences.

• Cultural competence and understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, and governance.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate, mediate, and lead discussions that bring diverse groups together.

• Experience collaborating across divisions or agencies and working with people with diverse perspectives.

• Skill in developing, analyzing, and implementing policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of public policy and administration principles sufficient to develop and deliver effective programs.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational responsibilities.

• Proficiency with common office software for scheduling, document preparation, and data tracking.

• Self-motivation and adaptability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• A strong racial equity lens and cultural humility, with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of the DNR's mission, divisions, programs, and services.

• Knowledge of state and federal government structures, processes, and relationships.

• Experience independently managing administrative and operational tasks in a complex or decentralized organization.

• Experience leading initiatives or consultations involving multiple stakeholders or sovereign governments.

• Training or experience in facilitation, consensus-building, or intergovernmental relations.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.