Assistant Director of Policy and Budget

Sowela; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks an Assistant Director of Policy and Budget to oversee the division’s budgeting, legislative, and policy efforts. This role works closely with the Director and Operations staff to align fiscal and programmatic priorities with the department’s mission.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, cross‑division coordination, and providing expert guidance on fiscal implications of proposals while ensuring effective communication with stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or closely related field.
• Three years of managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing wildlife/natural resource programs and staff.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife management and related research programs.
• Experience with long‑range and strategic planning, legislation, and budgeting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee division budget and fiscal strategies.
• Lead legislative planning and provide guidance on proposals.
• Direct policies, programs and priorities of the division as a leadership team member.
• Represent the division at department meetings and external collaborations.
• Act as acting Director in the Division Director's absence.

Skills

Managerial experience

Budgeting

Legislation knowledge

Communication

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources or related field

Job description

Assistant Director of Policy and Budget

Job Class: Natural Resources Assistant Division Director

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96810
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% of the time
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/03/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $51.89 - $74.31 / hourly; $108,346 - $155,159 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

• 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 Assistant Director of Policy and Budget functions with and supports the Director in providing oversight of the Fish and Wildlife Division for long term benefits to the natural resources and people of Minnesota.

The Assistant Director works with the Director and Assistant Director of Operations to direct and manage the division. Duties include: overseeing and integrating the divisions strategic planning processes, communications, outreach, budgeting, licensing, legislative and rulemaking processes across the division in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Operations; overseeing communications to resolve controversial, sensitive, and complex issues, providing expert recommendations to agency and senior division leadership and guidance and direction to division leadership and staff; and serving as the acting Director in the absence of the Division Director, as requested.

Responsibilities include:

Direct, develop and manage the policies, programs, and priorities of the division as a member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT), Division Management Team (DMT) and other statewide teams and committees to develop and implement the Division’s and Department’s mission and vision.

Under general administrative direction by the Division Director and working with the Assistant Director of Operations, lead the recommendation, coordination, and implementation components of the legislative function of the division. Serve as the Division’s legislative authority so that expert technical advice, guidance, and strategies are provided to the Division Leadership Team. Provide technical advice, guidance, and strategies to ensure program and fiscal implications of plans are considered in the legislative planning process and reflected in legislative proposals. Ensure all documentation is completed and coordination with internal and external stakeholders is conducted to support proposals.

Under general administrative direction by the Division Director, and in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Operations, recommend strategic direction and any necessary adjustments for the division budget to ensure optimization of funding. Provide expert technical advice, guidance, and strategies to ensure fiscal implications are considered in salary and non-salary decision‑making. Oversee implementation of approved budgetary changes.

Provide leadership and supervision over direct reports and all division staff to ensure that Department and Division programs are implemented and run efficiently in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Represent division at department meetings, task forces and committees so that division goals, policies, and budgets are understood and supported, relationships with other disciplines are maintained, and resource issues addressed. Lead critical initiatives assigned by the division director. This includes recommendations of solutions, providing direction to lower‑level leaders and staff, managing communications, coordination with other governmental entities and communication with tribal representatives, regulated parties, and other stakeholders. Provide divisional leadership in the absence of the Division Director as assigned.

Under general administrative direction by the Division Director, oversee strategic planning, communication, marketing and outreach functions for the division including recommending plan changes, monitoring the measures and overseeing implementation.

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 an annual telework agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources sciences such as: wildlife management, wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
• Three years of managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising wildlife management programs or natural resource management programs and staff.
• Academic knowledge and advanced professional experience in the natural resources or wildlife management field.
• Demonstrated management and/or leadership skills and organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife management, research programs, and wildlife operations.
• Experience in long‑range and strategic planning, legislation, developing operational and work plans, developing procedures, and directing projects.
• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area and ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and expectations of a given program.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multidisciplinary interests into decisions and actions.
• Demonstrated experience and success in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
• Possess interpersonal, administrative, and human relations skills.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and functions as evidenced by meeting and communicating directly with legislators, developing draft policy and/or fiscal legislation, participating in the development of legislative strategies or providing testimony at legislative hearings.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing complex, multiple‑account budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as: wildlife management, wildlife biology, ecology, or natural resource management, or closely related field.
• Five years or more of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the area of wildlife management.
• Experience with Minnesota’s executive branch budget development and fiscal management process and requirements.
• Expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies for high profile programs and policies.
• Demonstrated skill and experience working with diverse stakeholders (internal and external) on high profile, controversial issues.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to foster cooperation and coordination among a multidisciplinary workforce spread across a broad geography.

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jason Moeckel at [e-mail] or 651-259-5240.

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 Jordan Krueger 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.