Research Communications Coordinator

South Dakota State University; Brookings Township (SD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

South Dakota State University is seeking a Research Communications Coordinator in Brookings, SD. This 12-month, full-time position will lead communications and media relations for the university’s research enterprise, promoting researchers and discoveries to local, regional and national audiences.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations/related fields and at least three years in strategic communications; AP style knowledge essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in journalism, public relations, communications, English, marketing or related field.
• At least three years of strategic/broadcast communications experience in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills, with knowledge of AP style.

Responsibilities

• Develop cohesive research communications and marketing strategy aligned with university objectives.
• Produce written content and assist in video/graphics for multiple platforms and media.
• Manage experts list and pitch SDSU researchers to national/local media.

Skills

Communication

Media relations

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/PR/English

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Posting Details

Institution: South Dakota State University

Working Title: Research Communications Coordinator

Posting Number: NFE03220P

Department: SDSU-University Marketing & Communications

Physical Location of Position (City): Brookings

Posting Text

Join our University Marketing and Communications team as a ResearchCommunications Coordinator. The successful candidate will play animportant role in increasing awareness of the researchaccomplishments and contributions throughout the University. Thisposition is located in Brookings , SouthDakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligibleposition.

University Marketing and Communications serves as the centralcommunications office for the university. Its staff foster andexpand relationships with internal and external audiences and aligncommunications initiatives and messaging with the university’sstrategic direction and goals.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not availablefor this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Communications Coordinator is responsible for managingcommunications and media relations associated with South DakotaState University’s research enterprise. This individual works asthe primary storyteller to effectively describe and promote theuniversity’s research activities to local, regional and nationalaudiences.

Job Duties Include:

• Develop a cohesive research communications and marketingstrategy that aligns with university objectives, working with theVice President for Research and Economic Development and otheruniversity leadership. Work directly with university researchers topromote their work and expertise to the media and public.
• Develop strategic communications by conducting interviews,producing unique written content and assisting in production ofvideo, graphics and photos across all platforms including digitalor broadcast channels, website and social media. Serve as theuniversity’s lead communicator for the annual research report andmonthly electronic newsletters. Highlight university researchersand their work through news releases and feature stories andpitching stories to news outlets. Respond to requests from nationalprint and broadcast media.
• Provide oversight of the university’s experts list onsdstate.edu and increase awareness and use of university experts inregional, national and international media. Identify, recruit andmaintain relationships with researchers willing to be included onthe experts list. Monitor breaking news and identify and pitchthose SDSU experts to media to be utilized as expert sources forcomment.
• Other writing duties as assigned, contributing as needed touniversity magazines, newsletters, news releases, brochures andother deadline-driven writing projects overseen by UMC’s StrategicCommunications team.

BENEFITS

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits includingmedical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans,compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offera generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours ofannual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, andeleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal andstate-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition forstate-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academicinstitutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’sguidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations,communications, English, marketing or related field completed bystart date
• At least three years of relevant strategic/broadcastcommunications experience in a fast-paced professionalenvironment
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention todetail
• Knowledge of Associated Press style
• Ability to present the results of research, type, content andform of articles required for publication by television stations,magazines, trade journals and newspapers
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines andwithin established budgets
• Ability to take a project from concept through finalapplication and execution
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 daysof hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned master’s degree
• Experience working with students and interns
• Web content development and management experience
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop)and/or other image-editing and desktop publishing software
• Experience with marketing automation and CRM tools
• Experience in covering research-related topics

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of theUniversity to maintain a drug-free environment and to therebyestablish, promote and maintain a safe and healthy working andlearning environment for employees and students. This position issubject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol TestingPolicy 4:14.

Posting Date

10/15/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

11/13/2026

Advertised Salary

The salary range for this position is $51,063 - $71,488,commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Duration of the Term

12 months

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

This position requires

Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Some irregular hours as needed

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState isthe state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academicprograms and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. Theuniversity is part of a dynamic community for families, students, youngprofessionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance ofattractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunitiesfor all to receive the benefit of and participate in education,research, and service and is especially interested in candidatesthat can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is anequal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receiveconsideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawfuldiscrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering ofall educational programs and employment. Arrangements foraccommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail] .Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources,Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chairAndrea Kieckhefer [e-mail] or 605-688-4537.

Cognitive Requirements

Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, MultipleStimuli, Pace-average, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication,Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position’s use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

Physical Requirements

Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work,etc), Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, UseBoth Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Sensory Requirements

Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, NearVision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Where did you hear about this position?
   • LinkedIn
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Pleasespecify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify