Assistant Director of Labor Standards and Operational Services

the South Dakota State Government • Statewide, SD

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is seeking an Assistant Director of Labor Standards and Operational Services to lead agency communications, support employee excellence, and provide leadership in legislative affairs and public relations. The role leads a team and partners with the agency's divisions to provide support and guidance. Pierre is the preferred location, but the role may be based at a DLR Job Service Office statewide, with at least five days per month in Pierre. Most work is performed in an office, with travel to events across South Dakota and occasional out-of-state travel.

The position serves as Executive Director of the Workforce Development Council, overseeing operations and federal compliance; organizes legislative activities, including testimony and lobbying; and maintains the organization of agency board appointments. It develops internal and external communications, serves as the primary media contact, supports the Cabinet Secretary's communications, and manages scheduled correspondence with the Governor's Office. It also leads website and SharePoint administration, oversees internal communications, and provides agency-wide policy and process guidance.

The role leads onboarding, leadership training, and wellness efforts, and directly supervises and mentors the communication team. Oversight also includes the agency's LEAN efforts, Equal Opportunity, learning management system, internal controls, continuation of operation protocol, and records retention. A bachelor's degree and Gold National Career Readiness Certificate are preferred. Applicants must attach a cover letter and resume; an NCRC certificate should also be submitted if the applicant has one, though it is not required for consideration. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and eligible for Veterans' Preference. The State does not sponsor work visas; hires must verify identity and U.S. work eligibility and complete Form I-9, with eligibility verification conducted through E-Verify.

Requirements

• Experience in public communications, establishing policies and procedures, government affairs, managing a team, and leading others.
• Knowledge of state government structure and legislative processes.
• Knowledge of public relations principles, media operations, communication protocols, and branding strategies.
• Skill in analyzing legislation, lobbying stakeholders, and delivering testimony before legislative committees.
• Advanced written communication skills for drafting executive briefing materials, news releases, Governor's correspondence, and internal policy guidance.
• Proven ability to supervise professional staff, manage performance, and lead teams.
• Technical skill in administering SharePoint environments and managing website content.
• Skill in organizing major agency events, leading face-to-face employee onboarding sessions, and presenting overview materials.
• Ability to establish credibility, build collaborative relationships, and represent the agency.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and align agency initiatives with the Governor's agenda.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects with competing deadlines.
• Must attach a cover letter and resume to be considered.
• A National Career Readiness Certificate should be submitted if possessed, but is not required for consideration.
• Hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9; the State uses E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Gold National Career Readiness Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Executive Director of the Workforce Development Council and oversee its operations and federal compliance.
• Organize the agency's legislative activities, including testifying and lobbying.
• Maintain organization of agency board appointments.
• Assist in organizing and executing agency events.
• Develop internal and external communication strategies to support unified, transparent messaging.
• Serve as the agency's primary media contact, manage press inquiries, issue news releases, and proactively share department successes.
• Support the Cabinet Secretary with communications and manage scheduled correspondence with the Governor's Office.
• Lead development and maintenance of agency websites, administer SharePoint, and manage forms.
• Oversee internal communications, including agency-wide policy guidance, IntraNews, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Lead face-to-face onboarding sessions for new employees, providing an agency overview and inspiration.
• Oversee agency-wide policies and processes and guide divisions to promote consistency and efficiency.
• Establish leadership training and champion agency wellness efforts.
• Directly supervise and mentor the DLR communications team.
• Oversee the agency's LEAN efforts, Equal Opportunity, learning management system, internal controls, continuation of operation protocol, and records retention.
• Travel to events across the state and occasionally out of state.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits; this position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed