Head of Internal Communications

Strategic Communications Coordinator - 37027

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

Department of Transportation / Division of Finance & Management

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Transportation. The Strategic Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing, framing, and executing public policy communications and media relations strategies for the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). This role serves as the primary conduit for disseminating information to the public and key stakeholders, collaborating closely with senior management and key personnel to implement strategic communication initiatives. The Coordinator ensures the alignment of communications with SDDOT’s mission, vision, values, and brand, providing direction and oversight to communications staff and maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency across all agency messaging.

lead and manage SDDOT’s public policy communications, with primary responsibility for implementing the Strategic Communications Plan and achieving agency communication goals;

foster positive relationships with media outlets by proactively managing news, social media, and other communication platforms to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information;

identify target audiences and determine optimal platforms and messaging strategies to effectively engage customers and stakeholders;

oversee external communications, including press releases, speechwriting, talking points, press conferences, social media, agency website, briefing materials, and other communication methodologies;

coordinate and manage communication during emergency response events during off hours or weekends and holidays, such as winter;

coordinate and manage public events such as ribbon cuttings, award announcements, and other activities designed to engage SDDOT’s target audiences;

measure and report outcomes of communication efforts, providing actionable feedback to agency leadership based on public input;

participate in survey initiatives to assess public perceptions and feedback regarding the agency’s communication effectiveness;

identify and address issues that may impede the progress of agency communication initiatives;

collaborate with agency leaders in departmental strategic communications planning;

mentor communications staff, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth;

provide technical assistance and oversight for complex or high-profile departmental projects;

direct, develop, and implement strategies to inform employees about the strategic plan, annual report, newsletter, intranet, and other internal communications.

The incumbent works in a typical office environment.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing communications, mass communications, public relations, or equivalent professional experience.

strategic communications planning;

public and media relations;

editing and copywriting;

demonstrate excellence in written and oral communication, strong organizational skills, self-motivation, punctuality, and a commitment to public service;

research and implement innovative communications strategies and techniques.

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. 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.

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

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