Job ID: 21260
Agency: Department of Public Safety – Administration
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $65,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 01/19/2023

This is a full-time position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit http://dps.sd.gov.

The Administration of the Department of Public Safety is offering a rare opportunity to become a member of the Department's Executive Leadership Team as the Director of Communications. This is a full-time, unique opportunity for an individual to lead the communication team for the Department. DPS is seeking an experienced and skilled individual with prior newspaper, TV, radio, social media, digital, photography and/or videography experience to fill this role. As the Director of Communications, this individual will:

• participate as a member of the Department of Public Safety's Executive Leadership Team;
• lead the Department’s overall communications strategy by directing, planning, writing, designing, editing, and producing a wide range of effective communication projects;
• manage the Department’s media communications to ensure responses are appropriate, timely and in accordance with Department interests and policies;
• direct and supervise the Department’s digital content manager PIO and Wildland Fire PIO;
• oversee the Departments comprehensive social media strategy;
• maintain and foster relationships with members of the statewide media pool;
• stay well-informed of current public issues that may involve the Department and all programs including issues at the local, state and national levels;
• write press releases, public service announcements, speeches, presentations, and speaking points for Department officials;
• assist Department programs in creating and developing program specific website and media projects;
• coordinate joint informational efforts with other state agencies as well as federal agencies and partner organizations;
• develop and coordinate monthly internal and external presentations and videos for the Cabinet Secretary;
• serve as the Department’s point of contact and spokesperson for all media and public inquiries;
• organize press conferences and other special events involving the media;
• collaborate with the Governor’s communications staff as necessary;
• participate in the Department’s legislative activity.

This position reports directly to the Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary.

This position will primarily work in a typical office setting; however, the position also requires the person to be flexible in capturing and videoing real-time events including activity during public safety related incidents, disasters, weather related events, and emergencies such as wildfires to name a few.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
At least one-three years of experience working in or with the media such as newspaper, TV, radio, as a digital content manager, photographer or videographer.

Knowledge of:

• effective communication and marketing strategies;
• proactive relationship building and media relations;
• innovative approaches to traditional, digital and social media messaging;
• effective use of photography and videography;
• state government practices and environment;
• computer software pertinent to desktop publishing and website development.

Skills:

• strong written and oral communication skills;
• knowledge of all media platforms including social and digital;
• effective computer and software skills to perform the duties of the position;
• photography and videography skills preferred;
• time management;
• critical thinking;
• collaboration;
• project management.

Ability to:

• establish and maintain working relationships with members of all media and department partners and stakeholders;
• remain flexible during rapidly shifting priorities;
• make quick decisions with very little information and oftentimes changing information;
• remain calm during difficult and sometimes emergent situations;
• communicate clearly and concisely.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=KO1
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"