Marketing and Communications Director

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% fully matched retirement plan

$25,000 life insurance

Flexible work schedules and generousle

Health insurance options

SDRS retirement

Job summary

The Governor's Office of Economic Development seeks a Marketing and Communications Director to lead statewide marketing, communications, and public relations efforts, shaping South Dakota's business climate and economic development messaging.

The role oversees marketing strategy, executive communications, and a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with GOED leadership, the Governor's Office, and external partners to translate complex priorities into clear messaging.

Qualifications

• This position requires a Bachelor's degree and progressively responsible marketing or communications experience.

Responsibilities

• Marketing and Communications: Lead agency marketing strategy, statewide campaigns, branding, digital platforms, content development, and performance evaluation.
• Executive Communications and Public Relations: Develop executive messaging, speeches, press releases, and briefing materials; coordinate media relations, major announcements, and sensitive communications.
• Team Leadership and Project Management: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary communications team, manage priorities and project delivery, and coordinate initiatives across the agency and with external partners.
• Events and Partnerships: Oversee communications for events, conferences, and trade shows while partnering with businesses, economic development organizations, and state agencies to support business recruitment, retention, and expansion.
• Budget and Contract Management: Oversee marketing budgets, contracts, vendors, and resource allocation while supporting agency planning, reporting, and legislative preparation.

Skills

Writing & editing

Marketing strategy

Public relations

Digital communications

Brand management

Leadership

Organization

Project management

Strategic thinking

Judgment

Time management

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Communications/PR/Business

Job description

Job ID: 38308

Agency: Governor's Office of Economic Development

Location: Rapid City; Sioux Falls; or Pierre, SD

Salary: $74,499.84-$93,103.92 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: L

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Governor's Office of Economic Development. For more information on the Governor's Office of Economic Development, please visit https://sdgoed.com/.

Lead the Story. Shape the Message. Advance South Dakota.

The Marketing and Communications Director lead statewide marketing, communications, and public relations efforts for the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). This strategic leadership role oversees marketing strategy, executive communications, and a team dedicated to showcasing South Dakota's business climate and advancing economic development opportunities.

Working closely with GOED leadership, the Governor's Office, and external partners, the Director translates complex issues and statewide priorities into clear, compelling messaging that strengthens South Dakota's economic development efforts. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, strategic vision, and exceptional communication skills to a role with the opportunity to shape how South Dakota's economic opportunities are shared with the world.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Marketing and Communications: Lead agency marketing strategy, statewide campaigns, branding, digital platforms, content development, and performance evaluation.
• Executive Communications and Public Relations: Develop executive messaging, speeches, press releases, and briefing materials; coordinate media relations, major announcements, and sensitive communications.
• Team Leadership and Project Management: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary communications team, manage priorities and project delivery, and coordinate initiatives across the agency and with external partners.
• Events and Partnerships: Oversee communications for events, conferences, and trade shows while partnering with businesses, economic development organizations, and state agencies to support business recruitment, retention, and expansion.
• Budget and Contract Management: Oversee marketing budgets, contracts, vendors, and resource allocation while supporting agency planning, reporting, and legislative preparation.

Benefits of working for the State of South Dakota include:

• 6% fully matched retirement plan. Includes long term disability and family survivor benefits;
• $25,000 paid life insurance;
• ability to maintain a great work/life balance with flexible work schedules and generous leave policies; and,
• stable industry sector.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business, or a related field, and progressively responsible experience in marketing or communications, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in executive communications, economic development, or government communications is beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and efficiently.
• strong understanding of marketing, public relations, digital communications, and brand management.
• ability to understand broader government priorities and the context surrounding executive communications.
• strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities.
• strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with government officials, business leaders, media, and community partners.
• ability to meet tight deadlines, work independently, and handle sensitive information with discretion.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

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.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'