Information Officer

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 32411
Agency: Education
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $25.06-$27.00 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The South Dakota Department of Education is seeking a dynamic press officer to join the Communications Team to help communicate our vision that every student graduates college, career, and life ready. This public-facing role serves as the lead for engaging with a wide array of audiences, including the media and education stakeholders, on the department's priorities and strategies. Day-to-day responsibilities include writing press releases, gathering information to draft engaging answers to media inquiries, generating and managing social media content, writing newsletters and briefs for education audiences, traveling to department events, and creating photo and video content. Other roles include helping develop the department's media strategy, assembling press clips for internal department consumption, monitoring legislative committees and action related to the department, and serving as a key member of the department's communication team. The position is within the Secretariat of the department and reports to the Deputy Secretary of Education.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Experience: Successful experience in a public-facing role, excellent writing skills, and demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Education: Associate's degree preferred in education, communications, English, or related fields.
• Ability to travel: Approximately 10%, in state.

Knowledge of:

• Modern communication styles to create, articulate, and deliver engaging print messages;
• Media design tools and platforms;
• Multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Skills and Ability to:

• Understand complex education and policy issues and distill into language accessible to the general public;
• Coordinate with a wide array of professionals and issues within the department;
• Communicate responsively with members of the media;
• Prioritize workload and meet deadlines appropriately;
• Build relationships with the public and within the department;
• Perform at the highest standard of quality in written product and professional demeanor.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume, cover letter and three relevant writing samples.

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

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 $0 premium employee health insurance option 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://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=24O
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"

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