NRRI Strategic Engagement Manager

## About the Job

The Strategic Engagement Manager serves as an operational leader within NRRI’s Office of Strategic Partnerships & External Affairs, helping translate institutional priorities into coordinated engagement strategies, relationships, and action. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Partnerships & External Affairs, this role serves as a force multiplier across NRRI’s growing portfolio of externally facing initiatives by stewarding relationships, coordinating strategic platforms, and maintaining continuity across complex multi‑partner efforts. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship‑oriented, politically and publicly aware, and comfortable operating in fast‑moving environments that span industry, Tribal Nations, government, philanthropy, academia, and communities.

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## Job Duties

### Strategic Platforms, Convenings & Institutional Coordination (40%)

– Coordinate and help operationalize major institutional initiatives, including the Midwest Industrial Transformation Initiative (MITI) and other strategic platforms that advance NRRI priorities.
– Lead planning and execution for advisory panel meetings, forums, workshops, stakeholder working groups, and major external convenings.
– Maintain continuity across initiatives by tracking priorities, timelines, decisions, action items, and follow‑up responsibilities.
– Translate complex discussions into concise summaries, briefing materials, strategic memos, and decision‑support documents.
– Identify coordination gaps, stakeholder needs, and emerging risks across initiatives and partnerships.
– Support executive‑level relationship management working with NRRI Executive Director and ensure strong follow‑through across external commitments.
– Coordinate and communicate across researchers, leadership, communications, and external partners to keep strategic initiatives moving forward.

### Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement (30%)

– Serve as steward of NRRI’s institutional CRM and maintain relationship intelligence across industry, Tribal, philanthropic, government, academic, and community partners.
– Develop engagement plans and track institutional touchpoints, relationship history, next steps, and opportunities.
– Prepare stakeholder profiles, briefing materials, presentations, and partner background documents.
– Lead logistics, follow‑up, and relationship management activities tied to strategic partnerships.
– Support relationship development across partner organizations, collaborators, and institutional stakeholders.
– Operate thoughtfully within culturally, politically, and publicly sensitive engagement environments.
– Ensure alignment with University of Minnesota partners, government relations teams, and other institutional offices as appropriate.

### Communications Integration, Institutional Positioning & Intelligence (30%)

– Engage closely with communications staff to ensure alignment between engagement activities, partnerships, and institutional priorities.
– Support messaging development, presentations, and strategic communications tied to high‑priority initiatives.
– Develop written content including briefing documents, outreach materials, talking points, and executive presentations.
– Contribute to horizon scanning for emerging opportunities, funding trends, policy developments, and strategic risks relevant to NRRI priorities.
– Help strengthen proactive planning and institutional positioning across major initiatives.
– Support development of partner communications and executive materials.
– Coordinate with University communications, foundation, and external partners as directed by Executive Director and Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs.
– Identify opportunities to elevate NRRI’s visibility and strengthen relationships through strategic communications.
– Lead planning and execution of signature events and institutional convenings.

**Please note:** This position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

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## Qualifications

### Required Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree plus at least 4 years of relevant experience
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills
– Ability to work in person from NRRI’s offices in Duluth, Minnesota, with occasional travel to Twin Cities, Iron Range, and other domestic travel as needed

### Preferred Qualifications

– Experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, government relations, strategic communications, policy, or related fields
– Exceptional writing, synthesis, organizational, project management, and coordination skills
– Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and multiple concurrent projects
– Strong judgment, professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail
– Ability to navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities within fast‑moving environments
– Experience working across government, nonprofit, academic, Tribal, industry, philanthropic, or community contexts preferred
– Experience supporting executive‑level leadership or complex multi‑partner initiatives preferred
– Ability to operate collaboratively within politically and publicly sensitive environments and lead by influence

### Physical/Environmental Demands

Office environment; no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

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## About the Department

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.

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## Pay and Benefits

**Pay Range:** $77,651 – $98,358, depending on education, qualifications, and experience
**Time Appointment:** 100% Appointment
**Position Type:** Faculty and P&A Staff

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

### Benefits Package 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

While salary ranges provide a framework, initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Compensation reflects each candidate’s credentials and experience while maintaining equity within the organization.

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## How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be able to complete an online application and attach a cover letter and resume.

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.

A cover letter and resume are required to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, email **[email protected]** or call **(612) 624‑8647**.

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## Diversity

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.

Learn more: [http://diversity.umn.edu]

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## Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.