Policy Director

Policy Director, Exempt
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered.
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered.
Salary: $10,967.00 – $12,792.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $10,967.00 – $13,464.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/17/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:
The Policy Director is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of strategies to advance DNR’s public policy goals. The Policy Director works closely with DNR program staff and other members of the Executive Management team to develop policy initiatives and provides the Commissioner with high-level, strategic policy advice.

• Develop and implement long-range strategic policy initiatives and translate long-range goals into short-term, actionable projects.
• Collaborate with agency divisions and programs to achieve the Commissioner’s goals. Identify and analyze information required for policy development and legislation.
• Consult with and advise executive management on key policy issues, including legislative and federal issues.
• Collaborate with agency staff on initiatives of agency-wide strategic importance.
• Participate in and/or lead internal and external work groups on natural resources policy initiatives.
• Work with diverse and often competing stakeholders to develop solutions and resolve conflicts regarding policy issues.
• In partnership with the Governmental and External Affairs team, write and support agency requests for legislation, and conduct research on the impact of potential legislation.
• Represent the Commissioner at meetings and events as required.
• Draft policy-related correspondence consistent with the Commissioner’s vision and voice.
• Effectively lead and mentor a team to achieve defined outcomes while promoting the professional growth of team members.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, public administration, natural resources, or a closely related field;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Significant experience working in the natural resources field, either in government or non-profit sectors, and demonstrated commitment to ecological forestry practices.
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams and projects.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Demonstrated ability to make effective oral presentations to both internal and external audiences, and craft excellent written presentations that distill complex concepts into digestible information.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and drafting policy initiatives and/or legislation.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships and work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization, to develop solutions on high-profile projects.
• Significant experience leading and mentoring a team to reach their full potential while achieving department and project goals.
• An understanding of, and adherence to, confidentiality in work practices.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Understanding of, and experience working in, a political environment.