Job Description
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications to lead our efforts within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. You'll play a crucial role in crafting strategies to highlight the achievements of our faculty, researchers, and departments, engaging various audiences through compelling content and innovative approaches. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is one of the eight colleges that make up South Dakota State University. Like the university, the college has a three-fold mission to teach, conduct research and deploy outreach programs to serve people in South Dakota, the nation, and the world. In addition to six academic departments, the college is home to both the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and SDSU Extension. Extension and AES faculty and staff are distributed throughout the academic departments in CAFES and three additional SDSU colleges. Nearly all faculty have appointments in at least two of the mission areas. SDSU West River Research and Extension in Rapid City is an outreach facility of the college that supports teaching, research, and extension in the western part of the state. Other locations throughout the state include eight SDSU Extension Regional Centers and eight AES research field stations.
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is responsible for coordinating marketing and communications strategies and their implementation on behalf of CAFES, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, and SDSU Extension and working as content creator for various audiences and media to effectively describe and promote the college, its departments, faculty, researchers and work. The successful applicant will lead a team with two direct reports and student interns. The team will be responsible for CAFES/AES/Extension public and media relations; develop both paper and web-based publications, including magazines, reports, brochures, catalog, posters, flyers, direct mail and newspaper/magazine advertisements; manage public university web sites and other on-line presences for CAFES/AES/Extension, such as sdstate.edu and social media; support and coordinate various internal and external marketing activities; function as an embedded strategic communicator for CAFES/AES/Extension within University Marketing & Communications; and provide supervision over direct reports such as coordinators, interns and student employees.
SALARY RANGE:
The salary range of this position is $79,485-$95,340. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer rich academic experiences in an environment of inclusion and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Graphic Arts, Visual Communication, Marketing, Business, Advertising or related field completed by start date;
- Strong background in agriculture;
- At least 3 years of experience in agriculture communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field;
- Effective written communication skills;
- Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; and
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Graphic Arts, Visual Communication, Marketing, Business, Advertising or related field;
- Experience with social media, handling various social media platforms;
- Experience developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing campaign, including both web-based and printed promotional materials;
- Experience working with an advertising agency;
- Experience in creating print and web-based content for promotional purposes;
- Experience writing and producing reports, newsletters and annual publications;
- Exceptional communication and organization skills;
- Attention to detail and accuracy of work;
- Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and within established budgets; and
- Confidence to take a project from concept through final application and execution.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by 12/16/2024.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Kristi Cammack, at (605) 394-2236 or kristi.cammack@sdstate.edu.
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.