Public Information Officer

Sdsoybean; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance option

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is seeking a Public Information Officer to lead the department's digital media efforts, including social media, website updates, and video messaging.

This full-time, 40-hour weekly position reports to the communications director and will manage digital content for the department, including social media and newsletters. The role requires experience in photography and videography and a proactive approach in emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience in digital media, social media, photography, and/or videography.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Background in government communications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct the social media, digital, photography, and video content for the department.
• Capture photos and video for DPS media and social platforms.
• Lead social media strategy with the department's content managers.
• Assist with website management and development.
• Compile and edit the bi-monthly DPS newsletter.
• Monitor monthly statistics on social media performance.
• Create social media plans for projects and campaigns.
• Monitor emergencies via social monitoring and assist with responses.

Skills

Social media management

Photography

Video production

Digital content creation

Tools

Desktop publishing software

Video editing software

Website development tools

Job description

Pierre, SD or Statewide, SD | Public Safety | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

25.69 - 28.89 US per hour

Posted 2 days ago | Apply before November 11, 2026

Description

Job ID: 38256
Agency: Public Safety
Location: Pierre, SD Preferred; Open to Statewide within SD Salary: $25.69-$28.89 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: GH- I
Closing Date: 11/11/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://www.sd.gov/dps .

Summary:

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting an energetic, motivated public information officer to become a member of the department's communications team. This full-time position will lead the department's digital media efforts including social media, website development and maintenance, and video messaging, as well as other digital media projects. The department is searching for an experienced and skilled individual with prior social media, digital, design, photography and/or video experience.

As a public information officer, this individual will:

• direct the social media, digital, photography, and video content for the department and its programs;
• capture photos and video that can be used in DPS informational media and on its social media platforms;
• lead the social media strategy for the department, working with the department's social media content managers;
• assist with website management and development;
• compile, design and edit the bi-monthly DPS newsletter;
• monitor and manage monthly statistics on social media performance;
• utilize statistics to inform strategy and monitor effectiveness of the social media strategy;
• create social media plans for special projects and campaigns;
• monitor emergency situations through social monitoring software and help prepare department responses as needed.

This position reports to the department's communications director.

This position works in different settings and utilizes a computer, camera, and video equipment regularly. The position requires the person to be flexible in capturing and videoing real-time events including activity during public safety related incidents, weather related events, and emergencies such as wildfires or blizzards.

Licenses and Certifications:

Questionnaire:Applicants will be required to answer a series of job-related questions when submitting an application for this job.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• The ideal candidate will have relevant experience as a digital content manager, social media developer, photographer, and/or videographer.

Knowledge of:

• effective communication and marketing strategies;
• innovative approaches to traditional, digital and social media messaging;
• effective use of photography and videography;
• state government practices and environment;
• computer software pertinent to desktop publishing, video production, and website development.

Skill to:

• strong written and verbal communication skills;
• knowledge of all media platforms including social and digital;
• photography and video skills;
• time management;
• critical thinking;
• project management

Ability to:

• establish and maintain working relationships with department partners and stakeholders;
• develop and foster relationships with media;
• remain calm in all situations and environments;
• communicate clearly and concisely.

Additional Requirements:

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.