Tribal Relations Director

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A state resource management agency is seeking a Director of Tribal Relations to lead a Unit focused on strengthening relationships between the agency and Minnesota's Tribal Nations. The role involves strategic leadership in Tribal relations, operational management, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Candidates should have significant experience in Tribal relations, supervisory skills, and a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and governance. This position is based in Minnesota with potential for part-time telework.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in Tribal relations, policy, or coordination.
• Experience in leading and managing staff with clear expectations.
• Experience leading cross-divisional initiatives.
• Strong policy and program development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Tribal Relations Unit and develop clear work plans.
• Strengthen relationships between Tribal Nations and the DNR.
• Integrate Tribal perspectives into DNR programs.
• Lead the Tribal-State Relations Training program to build cultural understanding.
• Manage day-to-day administrative and coordination tasks of the Tribal Relations Unit.

Skills

Tribal relations

Interpersonal skills

Cultural competence

Policy development

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Strategic leadership

Negotiation

Tools

Common office software

Job description

Overview

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

• Lead and support the Tribal Relations Unit by developing clear work plans, supervising staff, and ensuring team efforts align with agency goals and priorities.
• Strengthen and maintain meaningful, government-to-government relationships between Tribal Nations, the Minnesota DNR, and other state and federal partners.
• Champion the integration of Tribal perspectives into DNR programs, policies, and decisions related to the stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources.
• Lead and contribute to the Tribal-State Relations Training program, helping DNR employees build cultural understanding and capacity for effective consultation and collaboration.
• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in Tribal relations, including work involving American Indian policy, natural resource management, or intergovernmental coordination demonstrating skills sufficient to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and building and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Supervisory or lead work experience sufficient to lead and manage staff, including establishing clear performance expectations, assigning and prioritizing work, monitoring progress towards goals, and holding staff accountable for results.

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.