Job Description

Join to apply for the Director of Public Relations role at The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law 2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Director of Public Relations role at The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Director of Public Relations Posting Number NFE02819P Department USD-Marketing Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion Posting Text The Director of Public Relations is a strategic communications leader responsible for enhancing the University of South Dakotas reputation, visibility, and engagement through compelling storytelling, cohesive digital strategies, and intentional brand engagement. This role oversees USDs social media, content and digital marketing teams and serves as the primary liaison to the universitys external advertising and media agency. The director will lead efforts to engage target audiences through a unified, data-informed PR strategy that elevates the universitys profile and drives key institutional outcomes. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement an integrated public relations and brand engagement strategy that supports institutional priorities related to reputation and engagement. Provide strategy support to university enrollment and fundraising efforts as needed. Lead and manage the universitys social media center, content development and digital media efforts ensuring coordinated strategy and execution across platforms and channels. Serve as the universitys primary contact and project lead for its external advertising and PR agency, ensuring alignment with internal goals and message priorities. Partner with academic deans and university leadership to identify and promote stories that highlight student success, faculty expertise, and institutional impact. Collaborate with enrollment, advancement, athletics, and academic units to ensure brand alignment and amplify campaign reach. Oversee the development and distribution of digital ad campaigns, paid media, and boosted content, with attention to performance metrics, audience segmentation, and accessibility compliance. Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure all digital content meets accessibility standards and reflects the universitys commitment to inclusive communications. Contribute to and uphold USDs brand standards, ensuring message consistency and excellence across platforms. Support issues management and serve on the universitys crisis communications team as needed. Qualifications Bachelors degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field (Masters preferred). Minimum 57 years of progressive experience in public relations, digital media, or marketingpreferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization. Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision and cross-functional collaboration. Experience managing external agency relationships and large-scale marketing/PR campaigns. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a keen eye for brand voice and audience engagement. Knowledge of digital advertising platforms, analytics tools, and accessibility best practices. Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail, deadlines, and strategic alignment. Posting Date 08/12/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 08/26/2025 Advertised Salary $73,000-77,000; commensurate with qualifications Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Weekends/Holidays If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Contact Information Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, 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. If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Describe any of the conditions selected Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Reference List Optional Documents Other Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Industries Higher Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for Director of Public Relations roles. Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law

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