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Tribal Relations Director

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Tribal Relations Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 90050
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes; up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 11/11/2025
  • Closing Date: 12/01/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Commissioner's Office / Government Relations
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $37.60 - $54.16 / hourly; $78,508 - $113,086 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
  • 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 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 include:

  1. Lead and support the Tribal Relations Unit by developing clear work plans, supervising staff, and ensuring team efforts align with agency goals and priorities.
  2. Strengthen and maintain meaningful, government-to-government relationships between Tribal Nations, the Minnesota DNR, and other state and federal partners.
  3. Champion the integration of Tribal perspectives into DNR programs, policies, and decisions related to the stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources.
  4. Lead and contribute to the Tribal-State Relations Training program, helping DNR employees build cultural understanding and capacity for effective consultation and collaboration.
  5. 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.
    • At least two (2) years of this experience must be in a supervisory or lead role.

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.

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 

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 Bob Meier at bob.meier@state.mn.us or 651-259-5024.

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@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.