Marketing and Communications Specialist

Job Description

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

Job ID: 34014
Agency: Department of Transportation, Division of Finance and Management
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $26.31 - $31.31 hourly, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GI
Closing Date: 1/02/26

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information on the Department of Transportation, please visit https://dot.sd.gov/ .

Introduction:
Ready for a rewarding career that provides exciting and meaningful work? Looking for a place that values innovation and teamwork? In need of schedules and benefits that make it possible to both support and enjoy your family?

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has a perfect opportunity for you as a Marketing and Communications Specialist!

Job Description:
The Marketing & Communications Strategist collaborates within the SDDOT Public Information Team to develop, coordinate, and advance communication strategies to increase customer awareness and engagement with SDDOT.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, create, maintain and manage the Departments Internet and Intranet site. Knowledge of Dreamweaver and CMS (Content Management System) is needed.
• Assist in the writing of press releases as well as assist with specific project communication efforts using AP styling guidelines.
• Reviewing public meeting documentation and materials for correct AP styling and SDDOT brand consistency.
• Assist with responding daily to the traveling public through social media messages, email inquiries, and phone calls.
• Coordinate, create, and produce traditional and digital content for multimedia campaigns and projects for internal and external platforms including social media.
• Create graphics and designs using the adobe suite and Canva.
• Plan, develop, and manage digital content as part of an integrated online/social media communication strategy.
• Coordinates the social media schedule including, but not limited to, daily posts, live streams, networking and advertising.
• Stays up to date on industry-wide digital best practices to efficiently and effectively guide the DOT's approach to operational efficiency and transparency with customers.
• Proficiently uses professional camera and video equipment and editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite, as well as have extensive knowledge on all aspects of equipment such as microphones and lighting, for on location photo and video shoots.
• Assists in the management of media budgets amongst various traditional and digital platforms while ensuring maximum return. Generates and analyzes reports on campaign performance to recommend strategy adjustments based upon results.
• Assists with new marketing strategies on Facebook, Instagram, X, Linkedin, and Indeed to grow engagement with customers.

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (zero-cost premium plan, low and high deductible plans, and single and family plans
• Well-being program
• Employee assistance program
• Dental, Vision and Health Savings Account
• Free basic life insurance policy
• Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
• Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
• Sick leave (14 days per year)
• Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
• Military leave (15 days per year)
• 11 paid holidays
• Longevity pay
• Semimonthly pay periods
• Eligibility for meal per diems
• Paid overtime (if applicable)

Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or mass communications is preferred. Must have a strong understanding of AP styling and English usage and types of written communications. Successful incumbent will be proficient in Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• journalism and mass communication principles and techniques related to editing, writing, designing, and producing information materials;
• public speaking techniques;
• graphic design and photo/video editing software using Adobe Creative Suite and Canva;
• website development and maintenance using Dreamweaver and Umbraco;
• webdesign tools such as wordpress;
• social media principles and methods;
• Microsoft Suite experience, predominantly but not limited to Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint;
• the principles and practices of video production including, but not limited to, camera operation, composition, lighting, sound recording, graphics and titles, editing.

Skills to:

• write and edit with AP Styling;
• conduct research, analyze, and interpret information;
• coordinate with Project Engineers Statewide to gather information on active construction projects;
• organize and express information concisely and effectively;
• write, edit, and design publications;
• write scripts and craft short informational videos;
• plan, organize, and coordinate public relations functions;
• perform layout and design work.

Abilities to:

• deal tactfully with others both internal employees and external customers;
• organize and prioritize multiple projects;
• work under pressure of deadlines;
• positively represent the department;
• work during evenings and/or on weekends throughout the year when weather related, or other special events/projects occur;
• assist with weather related or other special events/projects;
• manage a diverse set of project assignments simultaneously, completing each in a timely manner;
• communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with various audiences;
• establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with DOT employees across the state;
• tell stories and create and edit content, social media posts, etc. to promote a consistent and unified voice across all marketing platform.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach writing sample(s).

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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 here . 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=30O
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"

#LI-Onsite