Access and Inclusion Program Coordinator - DEI Consultant Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a full-time Access and Inclusion Program Coordinator to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This position involves developing strategies for workforce diversity, facilitating training, and ensuring equitable access to services for all Minnesotans. The successful candidate will coordinate outreach with underserved communities and align DEIA initiatives with the agency's strategic goals.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Four years of experience managing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Experience with recruitment and retention best practices.
• Leadwork experience in training on DEI topics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement DEIA strategies for recruitment and retention.
• Ensure accessibility for individuals with limited English proficiency.
• Lead agency-wide equity and inclusion initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Human relations

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title: Access and Inclusion Program Coordinator

Job Class: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 86774
• 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: 06/17/2025
• Closing Date: 07/07/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / Office of Access and Inclusion
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Occasionally
• Salary Range: $39.34 - $58.47 / hourly; $82,141 - $122,085 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full - time Access and Inclusion Program Coordinator at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

This position exists to coordinate the planning and implementation of the agency’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs and initiatives. This role supports the agency in increasing workforce diversity through strategic recruitment and retention efforts; advising and consulting with DNR leadership and staff to embed equity and inclusion into policies, practices, and programs; and promoting best practices that create an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace culture and will enable DNR to attract and retain a qualified and diverse workforce.

The incumbent also leads outreach and engagement efforts with historically underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure equitable access to agency programs, services, opportunities, and decision-making. As the agency’s language access coordinator, this role coordinates strategies to reduce language barriers and enhance communication with multilingual and limited English proficiency communities, aligning with the agency’s broader access and inclusion goals. This position works collaboratively with other staff within the Office of Access and Inclusion, the Equity Change Team, Human Resources, and managers and supervisors across the agency to develop, implement, and sustain diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts that reflect the demographics and needs of all Minnesotans. Key areas of focus include strategic workforce diversity, inclusive policy and program development, employee engagement, language access, community outreach, and staff training. The incumbent serves as the project manager for access and inclusion initiatives, playing a central role in aligning these efforts with the agency’s mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategy to attract, recruit, and retain a qualified and diverse workforce. Coordinate inclusive recruitment and retention efforts, strengthen partnerships with external organizations, and provide expert consultation to hiring managers, supervisors, and human resources. Ensure DEIA best practices are embedded into hiring processes, performance management, and workforce planning, enabling the agency to meet its current and future staffing needs while fostering an inclusive work environment. Identify the resources and training needs of the agency to promote inclusion and best practices that will enable DNR to attract and retain a qualified and diverse workforce.
• Serve as the agency’s Language Access Coordinator, providing leadership and strategic direction to ensure that DNR services, information, and programs are accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Lead the implementation of the DNR’s Language Access Plan (LAP), coordinate efforts across divisions and regions, and ensure compliance with civil rights obligations. Provide leadership to the Language Access Implementation Team to guide effective, data-informed decisions that support equitable service delivery.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of agency-wide equity and inclusion initiatives aligned with the DNR’s strategic priorities. Develop consultation tools, training plans, and educational resources to help divisions and regions integrate equity and inclusion principles into their strategic, operational, and work plans. Promote equity and inclusion in agency programs and services to foster cultural awareness, strengthen organizational culture, and improve overall performance, ensuring that all Minnesotans are effectively and equitably served.
• Engages in DEI training and other professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices for diversity programs and developments by engaging in professional development opportunities, building and maintaining networks with others in the field (e.g., professional association and educational groups, and professional development efforts).
  
  

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 at least 50% of the time. This position will require occasional travel within the state of Minnesota for meetings, seminars, or annual conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience designing, implementing, and managing organization-wide programs focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and/or civil rights.
• o A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, public administration, social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science) or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience designing and implementing diversity recruitment and retention best practices and initiatives for a program.
• Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Leadwork experience in designing and delivering training and advising all levels of staff, department-wide, on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.
• Project management experience, including coordinating teams, timelines, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing or implementing policies, plans, or procedures related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Americans with Disabilities Act laws, and other state and federal laws, regulations and procedures governing affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
• Skills in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating sufficient to implement program objectives.
• Advanced skills in all standard Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Highly developed communication, human relations, and problem-solving skills sufficient to effectively develop and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to establish credibility and work collaboratively with managers and supervisors sufficient to ensure effective program design and implementation.
• Ability to interact effectively with recruitment sources such as social media and other communication entities.
• Ability to interpret and apply related policies, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations sufficient to ensure compliance across the agency.
  
  

Preferred Qualification

• A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, public administration, social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science) or a closely related field.
• Experience communicating and sharing information with populations with diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Experience serving as a language access coordinator or managing language access services in a government or large organization.
• Experience leading outreach or engagement efforts with historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.
• Knowledge of contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism theories and issues, especially as they apply to public sector employment.
• Knowledge of the research and professional literature on building equitable and inclusive organizations, including promoting accessibility.
  
  

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.

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
  
  

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 [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mimi Daniel at [e-mail] or 651-259-5308.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail].

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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.