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Art Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 85521
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 05/23/2025
  • Closing Date: 06/12/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Operations Services Division / OSD Office of Communication & Outreach Creative Services
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • 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 DNR is seeking to hire a detail-oriented and proactive Art Director to lead project management efforts and creative oversight for our in-house Creative Services Unit at our central office in St. Paul, MN.  In a fast-paced, dynamic environment, you will coordinate and manage the execution of projects, working closely with a talented team of graphic designers, photographers, and videographers, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows from concept to completion. In addition, you will originate creative work and provide design solutions that align with agency-wide branding and accessibility standards. You will oversee timelines, workflows, and ensure that creative direction is consistently executed across all projects. This role is critical in maintaining clear communication and collaboration across divisions, ensuring all creative work meets the highest standards of quality and is delivered on time.
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Project Management: Lead the intake system for creative communication requests, ensuring efficient organization and coordination across divisions. Oversee team performance, project scoping, and the creative process. Represent the Creative Services Unit (CSU) on various intra- and inter-agency teams and initiatives, ensuring alignment and collaboration across the agency. Serve as the primary resource for agency colleagues with inquiries about the CSU team and its creative work.
  • Design: Create innovative and high-quality designs for high-profile, high-stakes communications efforts, including assignments from the Commissioner’s Office and other divisions within the agency.
  • Quality Control: Review creative communications work to ensure high standards of creativity and execution, from initial concepts through to final deliverables. Identify areas for continuous improvement and propose, develop, and implement processes and tools to enhance operations and output quality.
  • Branding and Accessibility: Serve as the go-to expert for translating state branding and accessibility standards into professional, visually compelling design work that aligns with agency and state requirements.
     

This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

The Art Director position requires a minimum of three (3) years of professional graphic design experience, demonstrated through a strong, quality-driven design portfolio; a degree in graphic design may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

  • Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro) for print and digital deliverables, with knowledge of photography and videography production.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Leadership experience in directing work, managing conflicts, holding team members accountable, and supporting staff development.
  • Experience in managing creative projects, including task assignment, workflow tracking, and fostering effective cross-team collaboration to ensure efficient processes and timely project completion.
  • Strong brand management skills with the ability to champion cohesive design across an organization.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for collaboration, training, and influencing across teams and with external partners.
  • Ability to foster a high-performing team environment, build strong relationships through emotional intelligence, and resolve conflicts effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field.
  • Four (4) years or more of professional graphic design or creative specialty experience.
  • Experience with natural-resource-related visual communication.
  • Leadership or support experience with in-house creative teams.
  • Expertise in motion graphics, interactive media, videography, and/or photography.
  • Experience applying accessibility standards in Creative Suite, including Acrobat Pro.
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methods and practices.
  • Familiarity with digital asset management systems.
  • Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

Additional Requirements

There are no driving duties required.

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.
 

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 Shamiah Specht at shamiah.specht@state.mn.us or 651-259-5349.

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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@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.