NRRI Manager of External Engagement and Strategy

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on January 2nd. 

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) Manager of External Engagement and Strategy will develop and execute programs, plans and strategies with the overall objective of building a diverse coalition of collaborators, partners and stakeholders for the Institute. A particular focus is to lead external engagement efforts for industrial decarbonization in the Midwest via the Minnesota Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI). Under the direction of the Executive Director, with significant input from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other partners, this role will: 

• cultivate a network of strategic partnerships and expand relationships with policy makers, community members, Tribes, labor groups, non-government organizations, and other influencers and stakeholders. 
• communicate the plan to, and seek feedback from, those involved and help represent the Institute and relevant initiatives to external stakeholders including government, community members and the public. 
• contribute to NRRI marketing and communication efforts across the Institute
• be accountable for driving progress on key engagement priorities that require cooperation and collaboration of multiple internal and external partners.

Core Responsibilities
The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) Manager of External Engagement and Strategy works closely with the Executive Director to advance Institute strategic priorities, anticipate issues, respond to opportunities, build strong relationships with stakeholders including local communities across Northeastern Minnesota and the state, manage the MITI Advisory Committee, and build a compelling story about the Initiative.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage NRRI public affairs, media relations and stakeholder relations, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Identify potential strategic risks and help to reduce those risks.
• Collaborate across the Institute to build relationships across the region with legislative members and staff, community members, Tribal members, business leaders and other stakeholders.
• Regularly convene community segments including those across the Iron Range, Duluth and Tribes to provide updates, receive feedback, and invite collaboration.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders in relevant formats as appropriate.
• Coordinate the NRRI and NREL Marketing Communication teams to develop overall launch and communications strategy, guidelines, policies and practices with a strategic lens for internal and external communications, public relations and media protocols. 
• Monitor legislative activities to stay abreast of issues of importance to the Institute on state and federal levels.
• Develop and serve as primary liaison with MITI project Advisory Committees.
• Other duties as assigned (event/conference presence and planning; open houses, etc.)
  
   

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role in community engagement and strategic communications in areas focused on sustainable industry, climate change or natural resource management.
• Experience in designing, launching, and leading innovative ventures, projects, or initiatives in an area focused on sustainable industry, climate change, or natural resource management.
• Creative thinking, problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills, as demonstrated via public talks and published written material in mainstream media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and attract external funding (federal/state grants, foundations, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop and maintain effective networks; customer focused and proven relationship building skills.
• Experience working with the private and public sector, and nonprofits.
• Evidence of ability to communicate complex ideas to policy makers, concerned community members, journalists, the media, and the general public in writing, verbally, and via presentation.
• Proven ability to interact with and influence senior leadership, policy makers, both internal and external.
• At least five years of supervisory experience, including proven ability to provide training and support staff development.
• Sound judgment and high level of integrity and professionalism, with an ability to manage confidential information and maintain discretion and diplomacy in all contacts.
• Relationship management experience with complex partnerships and collaborations.
• Strong meeting facilitation, communication, and presentation skills, including data analysis, synthesizing research and conceptual work into actionable deliverables.
• Demonstrated initiative and motivation, and ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid US driver’s license with clean driving record.

Preferred qualifications:   

• Experience working with research teams to develop and support execution of short and long-term communication strategies to increase awareness.
• Knowledge of or experience working on finance, energy, water, sustainability and/or environmental issues.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Tribes.
• Experience working with communities of color, frontline and disadvantaged communities, and/or low-income communities.
• Familiarity with funding opportunities, particularly federal government grant opportunities.

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota’s soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

1.   Applied Ecology and Resource Management

2.  Minerals and Metallurgy

3.  Materials and Bioeconomy

4.  Data Collection and Delivery

5. Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $118,000 - $128,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, visit the UMN Careers website and search for the Job ID number on this post. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interests and qualifications (as per required/preferred qualification list), and Full CV.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).