Information Officer (Marketing and Communications Specialist)

Sdsoybean; South Dakota; On-site; USD 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and Vision

Paid leave

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Transportation seeks a Marketing and Communications Specialist to craft content, manage digital campaigns, and maintain brand consistency across channels. You will support press materials, social engagement, and multimedia production.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in PR/marketing/journalism, proficiency in AP styling, and strong design/analytics skills; a hybrid workplace and state-wide coordination are possible.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in PR/marketing/journalism/mass communications preferred.
• AP styling and English usage knowledge required.
• Graphic design and video editing software proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Assist in writing press releases and project communications following AP guidelines.
• Review materials for AP styling and SDDOT branding consistency.
• Respond to public inquiries via social media, email, and phone.
• Create and manage digital content for campaigns across platforms.
• Develop graphics using Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Plan, develop, and manage online content as part of a coordinated strategy.
• Coordinate social media scheduling including posts and live streams.

Skills

AP styling

Public speaking

Graphic design

Video production

Social media management

Content writing

Photography

Content management

Analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in PR/marketing/journalism/mass communications

Tools

Dreamweaver

Umbraco

WordPress

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Google Analytics 4

Google Ads

Google Tag Manager

Microsoft Office

Job description

Information Officer (Marketing and Communications Specialist) - 38125

Statewide, SD | Transportation | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

27.28 - 32.09 US per hour

Description

Job ID: 38125Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Finance & ManagementSalary: $27.28 - $32.09 per hour, depending on experienceLocation: Statewide - The location of this position is negotiable.Pay Grade: GIClosing Date: 10/30/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov .

The Marketing & Communications Specialist 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:

• 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.
• Assist with coordination of the social media schedule including, but not limited to, daily posts, live streams, networking and advertising.
• Assist with updates to the Departments Internet and Intranet site. Knowledge of Dreamweaver and CMS (Content Management System) is preferred.
• 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 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.

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Must be able towork evenings and/or weekends throughout the year to assist with weather‑related situations and other special events or projects occur.

What the SDDOT Offers:

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
• Employee assistance program
• Dental and Vision
• 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
  

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Marketing and Communications Specialist is approximately $77,929.00 annually.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, or mass communications is preferred.

Knowledge of

• journalism and mass communication principles and techniques related to editing, writing, designing, and producing information materials;
• strong understanding of AP styling and English usage and types of written communications;
• public speaking techniques;
• graphic design and photo/video editing software using Adobe Creative Suite and Canva;
• website development and maintenance using Dreamweaver and Umbraco;
• web design tools such as WordPress;
• social media principles and methods.

Skills to:

• principles and practices of video production including, but not limited to, camera operation, composition, lighting, sound recording, graphics and titles and editing;
• write scripts and crafting short informational videos;
• write and edit with AP Styling;
• proficient in Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager;
• Microsoft Suite experience, predominantly but not limited to Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint;
• 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;
• plan, organize, and coordinate public relations functions;
• perform layout and design work.

Abilities to:

• 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 which occur during evenings or on weekends;;
• 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 platforms;
• deal tactfully with others both internal employees and external customers;
• organize and prioritize multiple projects;
• work under pressure of deadlines;
• positively represent the department.

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 here .This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.