Director of Communications

Job

Agency:
Department of Public Safety

Location:

Pierre, SD or Statewide

Salary: $66,550 - $80,000/annually, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: K

Closing Date: 09/02/2026

The Administration of the Department of Public Safety is offering a rare opportunity to become a member of the Department's Leadership Team as the Director of Communications. This is a full-time, unique opportunity for an individual to lead the communication team for the Department. DPS is seeking an experienced and skilled individual with prior newspaper, TV, radio, social media, digital, photography, and/or videography experience to fill this role.

The location of this position is negotiable within the State of South Dakota.

• lead the Department’s overall communications strategy by directing, planning, writing, designing, editing, and producing a wide range of effective communication projects;
• manage the Department’s media communications to ensure responses are appropriate, timely and in accordance with Department interests and policies;
• maintain and foster relationships with members of the statewide media pool;
• work directly with reporters from media outlets across the state to coordinate interviews and provide information and context on department programs.
• direct and supervise the Department’s digital content manager PIO and Wildland Fire PIO;
• oversee the Department's comprehensive social media strategy;
• stay well-informed of current public issues that may involve the Department and all programs including issues at the local, state and national levels;
• assist department programs with creating, drafting, and editing communications with other local, state, and federal agencies.
• write press releases, public service announcements, speeches, presentations, and speaking points for Department officials;
• assist Department programs in creating and developing program specific website and media projects;
• coordinate joint informational efforts with other state agencies as well as federal agencies and partner organizations;
• develop and coordinate monthly internal and external presentations and videos for the Cabinet Secretary;
• serve as the Department’s point of contact and spokesperson for all media and public inquiries;
• organize press conferences and other special events involving the media;
• collaborate with the Governor’s communications staff as necessary;
• participate in the Department’s legislative activity.

This position will primarily work in a typical office setting; however, the position also requires the person to be flexible in capturing and videoing real-time events including activity during public safety-related incidents, disasters, weather-related events, and emergencies such as wildfires. The business of public safety is a 24-hour mission, and this position will be expected to contribute after work hours, on weekends, and on holidays when necessary.

This position reports directly to the Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary.

For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

At least one to three years of experience working in or with the news media such as newspapers, TV, and radio. Experience as a digital content manager, photographer or videographer is also preferred.

• effective communication and marketing strategies;
• proactive relationship building and media relations;
• 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 and website development.

• strong written and oral communication skills;
• knowledge of all media platforms including social and digital;
• effective computer and software skills to perform the duties of the position;
• photography and videography skills preferred;
• time management;
• critical thinking;
• project management.

• establish and maintain working relationships with members of all media and department partners and stakeholders;
• make quick decisions with very little information and oftentimes changing information;
• remain…