Outdoor Community Engagement Specialist

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Role Overview The Outdoor Community Engagement Specialist is a professional-level position within the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Nature Preserves, Office of Planning and Public Engagement. This role works closely with the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) team, Public Engagement team, and other partners to develop and implement communication and outreach strategies that support R3 programs and initiatives. The position leads efforts to increase public awareness and participation in fishing, hunting, trapping, shooting, and other wildlife‑based outdoor recreation activities through content creation, audience engagement initiatives, events, and programs. The incumbent oversees outreach and communication efforts, evaluates program effectiveness, and serves as a liaison across Division staff, the public, and partner organizations. Success in this role requires strong communication and project‑management skills, along with the ability to develop clear, compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate can analyze audience behavior and engagement trends, use data to guide outreach strategies, and create content that increases awareness and participation in outdoor recreation opportunities. This role benefits from experience coordinating public‑facing campaigns, managing digital communication channels, and planning initiatives that expand community involvement. Knowledge of outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation is essential, as is the ability to work independently while building collaborative relationships across teams, partners, and stakeholder groups. The position primarily works weekdays, however will be required to work some evenings and/or weekends as needed. Some travel in state and out of state will also be required. Salary Statement The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Day in the Life The essential functions of this role are as follows: Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them. Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area. Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers. Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems. Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports. Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances. Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance. Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage. Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications. Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies. Serve on management committees or other governing boards. Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development. Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures. The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary. What You'll Need for Success The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either a Master’s Degree with 1+ years of experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience, or a Associate’s Degree with 5+ years of experience, or at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment: Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations. Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs. Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications. Ability to communicate orally and in writing. The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders. Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles. Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow. Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets. Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Three medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards Health savings account, which includes bi‑weekly state contribution Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match Two fully-funded pension plan options Robust leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years Education Reimbursement Program Group life insurance Employee assistance program covering behavioral health visits Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Free parking for most positions Free LinkedIn Learning access Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io . #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Indiana