Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain and foster relationships with members of the statewide media pool.
• Work directly with reporters from media outlets across the state to coordinate interviews and provide information and context on department programs.
• Direct and supervise the Department’s digital content manager PIO and Wildland Fire PIO.
• Oversee the Department’s comprehensive social media strategy.
• Stay well-informed of current public issues that may involve the Department and all programs including issues at the local, state and national levels.
• Assist department programs with creating, drafting, and editing communications with other local, state, and federal agencies.
• 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.

Requirements

• At least one to three years of experience working in or with the news media such as newspaper, TV, radio.
• Experience as a digital content manager, photographer or videographer is also preferred.

Preferred

• Experience as a digital content manager, photographer or videographer is also preferred.
• Knowledge of photography and videography; experience with social media messaging.

Benefits

• 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.