The University of South Dakota
Director of Public Relations
The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States, 57069
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 Dakota's reputation, visibility, and engagement through compelling storytelling, cohesive digital strategies, and intentional brand engagement. This role oversees USD's social media, content and digital marketing teams and serves as the primary liaison to the university's external advertising and media agency. The director will lead efforts to engage target audiences through a unified, data-informed PR strategy that elevates the university's 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 university's social media center, content development and digital media efforts ensuring coordinated strategy and execution across platforms and channels. Serve as the university's 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 university's commitment to inclusive communications. Contribute to and uphold USD's brand standards, ensuring message consistency and excellence across platforms. Support issues management and serve on the university's crisis communications team as needed. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, digital media, or marketing-preferably 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
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 Dakota's reputation, visibility, and engagement through compelling storytelling, cohesive digital strategies, and intentional brand engagement. This role oversees USD's social media, content and digital marketing teams and serves as the primary liaison to the university's external advertising and media agency. The director will lead efforts to engage target audiences through a unified, data-informed PR strategy that elevates the university's 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 university's social media center, content development and digital media efforts ensuring coordinated strategy and execution across platforms and channels. Serve as the university's 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 university's commitment to inclusive communications. Contribute to and uphold USD's brand standards, ensuring message consistency and excellence across platforms. Support issues management and serve on the university's crisis communications team as needed. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, digital media, or marketing-preferably 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