Region 3 Partnership Coordinator
R3 Partnership Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 91326
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 01/21/2026
- Closing Date: 02/10/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / F&W Recruitment/Retention
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes; occasional
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: MAPE - MN Association of Professional Employees
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.
Job Summary
The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time, Partnership Coordinator position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position provides vision and leadership for developing hunter and angler recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) strategies for DNR Fish and Wildlife Outreach Section staff, others in the DNR, external partners in MN, and partners across the country. This position provides expertise and collaborates with staff and internal and external partners to further develop and advance Minnesota’s hunter and angler R3 strategies and build capacity for implementing best practices within the DNR and with external partners. The position will plan, coordinate, and implement DNR’s hunter and angler R3 partnership and volunteer initiatives in collaboration with others, specifically by convening meetings, directing grant programs or contracts, developing and administering evaluation strategies, and developing and conducting trainings and other initiatives to build capacity internally and externally. This position will be seen as a state expert in hunter and angler R3 best practices and will work with volunteers and internal and external partners to deliver impact at the state level.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide vision and expertise; analyze, develop and set program framework and policy direction for the statewide hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts in the Division of Fish and Wildlife so that division and agency goals, objectives and policies are met. Work with volunteers to implement and/or support statewide R3 partnership initiatives.
- Promote recruitment, retention and reactivation initiatives, volunteer programs, and activities to attract the involvement of new organizations, agencies, and individuals to become involved; seek private sector and NGO support; promote a positive image and call to action for R3 efforts.
- Coordinate with other DNR programs, government agencies, and organizations to provide prompt and accurate and information and reports, and to be up to date on current R3 initiatives and best practices in other states and at the national level.
- Provide leadership, support and collaboration for the development and implementation of FAW Outreach grant programs.
- Support Fish and Wildlife Outreach programming and involvement in large events, including planning and delivery of online and in-person education programs, development of online resources, agency traditional and social media efforts, and participation in the Governor’s openers and other large outreach events and programs.
- Lead and facilitate Region 3 council related activities.
- Other duties to be determined and as assigned by management for the benefit of the Department and Minnesotans.
This position 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 in Saint Paul, MN 50% of the time. This position may require meeting with partner organizations throughout Minnesota, including volunteer/mentor training at other DNR regional offices, or at national and local R3 conventions to represent the state in R3 programming.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Three (3) years' experience in planning, implementing, and measuring the success of new or large initiatives or programs, products, and services.
- A bachelor's degree in education, marketing, social sciences, outdoor recreation, natural resources, or a closely related field, may substitute for one (1) year of experience listed above.
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to evaluate program results and to critique the analytical methods and results of other public program professionals.
- Knowledge of fish and wildlife management principles, angling, hunting, and adult and youth skills development, especially as it relates to the multi-faceted issue of hunter and angler recruitment, retention, and reactivation.
- Knowledge of public policy and administrative procedures sufficient to design, implement, and evaluate public volunteer programs and reporting systems.
- Project planning and operations knowledge sufficient to organize and facilitate projects and programs with others, establish goals and timetables, clarify mutual expectations, and evaluate results.
- Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
- Human relations sufficient to build networks of colleagues throughout the public sector and to effectively persuade clients, governmental officials, and other leaders by understanding complex and oftentimes competing relationships and political agendas.
- Communications skills sufficient to mobilize action to achieve organizational goals, to coach and advise other program staff, to speak to individuals and groups for instruction and to resolve differences of opinion and to testify before departmental policy committees, management teams, and at other public forums.
- Hunting and angling skills sufficient to effectively design, evaluate and teach skill-building program models.
- Ability to read and comprehend public administration literature and program bulletins, manuals, rules, etc. sufficient to design and develop financial and program reporting systems and appropriate documentation.
- Ability to write reports, bulletins, procedures, rules, and correspondence sufficient to describe, promote and justify current and future program initiatives and outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in education, marketing, social sciences, natural resources, or a closely related field.
- Experience in planning, implementing, and measuring the success of angler and hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation programs or other related initiatives, including partnerships, at a regional, statewide, or national level.
- Experience in facilitating meetings and public hearings.
- Experience developing and/or coordinating a volunteer program, including recruitment, training, evaluation, and recognition.
- Knowledge of governmental budget and legislative processes sufficient to coordinate grant programs with multiple program activities and to propose department and legislative initiatives to meet current and future program needs in the area of fund development and growth.
- Knowledge and experience participating in outdoor recreational activities such as hunting and fishing to effectively design, evaluate and teach skill-building program models.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
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
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Paul Vang at paul.vang@state.mn.us or 651-259-5247.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- 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
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.