Public Information Officer

the South Dakota State Government • Pierre, SD

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting a motivated Public Information Officer to join its communications team. This full-time role leads digital media efforts, including social media, website development and maintenance, video messaging, and other digital media projects. The position directs digital, photography, and video content for the department and its programs; captures photos and video for informational media and social media; leads the department’s social media strategy in coordination with content managers; assists with website management and development; and compiles, designs, and edits the department’s bi-monthly newsletter. The officer monitors monthly social media performance statistics and uses them to inform strategy and evaluate effectiveness, creates social media plans for special projects and campaigns, and monitors emergency situations using social monitoring software to help prepare department responses as needed.

The position reports to the department’s communications director. It works in different settings and regularly uses a computer, camera, and video equipment. The officer must be flexible in capturing and recording real-time events, including public safety incidents, weather-related events, and emergencies such as wildfires or blizzards. The preferred location is Pierre, South Dakota, but applicants statewide within South Dakota may be considered. A valid South Dakota driver license is required. Applicants must apply online and attach a resume; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted. Applicants will also answer job-related questions. Successful applicants must undergo a background investigation and verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. A National Career Readiness Certificate may be submitted if possessed, but is not required. The position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Requirements

• Valid South Dakota driver license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of social and digital media platforms.
• Photography and video skills.
• Time-management, critical-thinking, collaboration, and project-management skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with department partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to remain flexible amid rapidly shifting priorities.
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with media.
• Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm in all situations and environments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work in different settings and capture real-time events, including during incidents and emergencies.
• Attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
• Complete job-related application questions and undergo a background investigation.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete Form I-9.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant experience as a digital content manager, social media developer, photographer, and/or videographer.
• Knowledge of effective communication and marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of innovative approaches to traditional, digital, and social media messaging.
• Knowledge of effective photography and videography practices.
• Knowledge of state government practices and environment.
• Knowledge of computer software used for desktop publishing, video production, and website development.
• National Career Readiness Certificate, if possessed; it is not required for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Direct social media, digital, photography, and video content for the department and its programs.
• Capture photos and video for department informational media and social media platforms.
• Lead the department’s social media strategy in collaboration with social media content managers.
• Assist with website management and development.
• Compile, design, and edit the bi-monthly DPS newsletter.
• Monitor and manage monthly social media performance statistics.
• Use performance statistics to inform strategy and monitor the effectiveness of the social media strategy.
• Create social media plans for special projects and campaigns.
• Monitor emergency situations using social monitoring software and help prepare department responses as needed.
• Capture and record real-time events, including public safety incidents, weather-related events, and emergencies.

Benefits

• Employee health insurance option with $0 premium.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Vacation leave accrual.
• Sick leave accrual.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits; this position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

What This Job Offers

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