Assistant Director of Policy and Bud Class: Natural Resources Assistant Division Director Agency: MN Department

• Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
• Work Location: 500 Lafayette Rd. North, St. Paul, MN 55155
• Job : 96810
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Unlimited
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, Day Shift
• Telework: Eligible for up to 50% telework
• Travel: Required
• Salary: $108,346-$155,159 annually ($51.89-$74.31/hour)
• Final date to receive applications: September 23, 2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Director of Policy and Budget within the Fish and Wildlife Division.

Working closely with the Division Director and Assistant Director of Operations, this position provides leadership and oversight to support the long-term stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources and the people who depend on them.

As a member of the division’s leadership team, the Assistant Director of Policy and Budget plays a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, legislative and rule making processes, communications, outreach, licensing, and organizational priorities. The position also serves as acting Division Director when requested.

The Assistant Director of Policy and Budget will:

• Direct, develop, and manage division policies, programs, and priorities as a member of the Division Leadership Team and Division Management Team.

• Lead the coordination and implementation of the division’s legislative functions and serve as a key legislative authority for the division.

• Provide expert guidance on legislative proposals, policy development, fiscal impacts, and strategic priorities.

• Recommend strategic direction and adjustments to the division budget to optimize available funding.

• Oversee the implementation of approved budgetary changes and ensure fiscal considerations are incorporated into salary and non-salary decisions.

• Provide leadership and supervision to direct reports and division staff to support efficient and effective program delivery.

• Represent the division at department meetings, task forces, committees, and other statewide initiatives.

• Build and maintain relationships with governmental entities, tribal representatives, regulated parties, stakeholders, and other partners.

• Lead critical initiatives assigned by the Division Director, including addressing complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues.

• Oversee strategic planning, communications, marketing, and outreach functions for the division.

• Provide divisional leadership in the absence of the Division Director, as assigned.

Candidates must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in a natural resources science such as wildlife management, wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management, or a closely related field.

• At least three years of managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising wildlife management or natural resource management programs and staff.

• Advanced professional knowledge and experience in natural resources or wildlife management.

• Demonstrated management and leadership skills, including the ability to direct, develop, and engage staff.

• Knowledge of fish and wildlife management, research programs, and wildlife operations.

• Experience with long-range and strategic planning, legislation, operational planning, procedure development, and project leadership.

• Demonstrated experience with negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus building involving diverse groups.

• Strong interpersonal, administrative, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience communicating complex information to a variety of audiences.

• Knowledge of the legislative process, including experience working with legislators, developing policy or fiscal legislation, participating in legislative strategy, or providing testimony at legislative hearings.

• Demonstrated…