Information Officer (Marketing and Communications Specialist)
The Information Officer (Marketing and Communications Specialist) at Confidential Client develops and executes communication strategies to enhance public awareness and engagement. This role involves creating and managing multimedia content, coordinating social media and digital campaigns, and ensuring consistent messaging aligned with the department's brand. The specialist also supports public inquiries, manages media budgets, and participates in special events, requiring flexibility for evening and weekend work.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, PR, Advertising & Marketing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Confidential Client (statewide operations in South Dakota) is seeking an experienced Marketing & Communications Specialist (Information Officer) to join the Public Information Team. This full‑time role supports multimedia communications, content strategy, social channels, web updates, and media relations to increase customer awareness and engagement.
What You’ll Do
The Marketing & Communications Specialist will collaborate with the Public Information Team and agency stakeholders to plan, create, and distribute traditional and digital communications. Key responsibilities include:
- Assist in writing and editing press releases and project communications using AP style.
- Review public meeting materials for AP style and brand consistency.
- Respond to the traveling public via social media, email, and phone in a timely, professional manner.
- Coordinate, create, and produce content for multimedia campaigns across internal and external platforms (social media, web, email).
- Design graphics and layouts using Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
- Plan, manage, and schedule digital content as part of an integrated online/social media strategy.
- Coordinate social media calendar, including daily posts, live streams, networking, and advertising.
- Maintain and update the department’s public website and intranet; familiarity with CMS tools (Dreamweaver, Umbraco, WordPress) preferred.
- Operate professional camera and video equipment and use editing software for on‑location photo/video shoots (lighting, sound, mic setup).
- Support development and management of media budgets; analyze campaign performance and recommend strategy adjustments.
- Use Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager to measure and optimize digital campaigns.
- Assist with public outreach and development of short informational videos and scripts.
Work may require occasional evenings and weekends for weather events or special projects.
Qualifications
Preferred / ideal background:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, journalism, mass communications, or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated experience writing and editing with AP style.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects), Canva, and video production workflows.
- Experience with web CMS platforms (Dreamweaver, Umbraco, WordPress) and basic web publishing.
- Proficiency with Google Analytics 4, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager.
- Strong public speaking, interpersonal, and project coordination skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams.
Skills & Technical Competencies
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills (AP style).
- Graphic design and layout experience.
- Video production: camera operation, composition, lighting, sound, and editing.
- Social media content strategy and channel management (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn).
- Analytics and reporting (GA4) and paid digital advertising basics.
- Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
- Ability to organize and express information clearly for diverse audiences.
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly rate: $27.28 – $32.09 per hour (depending on experience).
- Full‑time (40 hours/week) with eligibility for state/federal benefits.
- Health insurance options (including $0 premium employee-only plan), dental, vision, life insurance.
- Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System (partial state match).
- Paid leave: vacation, sick leave, paid family leave, military leave, and 11 paid holidays.
- Wellness and employee assistance programs.
- Total estimated compensation for entry-level (hourly wage + benefits) approximately $77,929 annually.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Primarily office-based with periodic travel across the state as needed.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends occasionally to support weather‑related communications and special events.
Additional Requirements & Legal Notes
- Please attach writing samples with your application.
- This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
- The confidential client does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.; E‑Verify may be used.
- Applicants must be able to perform the duties outlined with or without reasonable accommodation.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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