Communications Officer

Salary: $3,936.80 - $4,845.60 Biweekly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Midmanagement
Job Number:
Department: Innovation & Technology
Division: Communications
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026 5:00 PM Central

Job Summary

Lead the development and execution of the City's internal and external communications strategy to promote transparency, strengthen public trust, enhance community engagement, and support organizational priorities. Responsible for overseeing strategic communications, emergency and crisis communications, media relations, digital communications, community engagement, branding, creative services, and public information initiatives.
Job Responsibilities

1. Oversee organizational branding, public information campaigns, digital communications strategy, media relations, and creative services to ensure consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.
2. Work closely with City leaders to determine key organizational communication priorities and objectives. Lead the strategy and development of communication plans for major City projects, initiatives, programs, policy changes, and special events.
3. Manage development of communications campaigns to support organizational objectives, and communicate to residents and employees.
4. In collaboration with Communications leaders, support the development of shared internal policies and procedures to improve how the team collaborates and communicates. Ensure policies and procedures are easy-to-find, up-to-date, and regularly reviewed.
5. Lead development of customer service standards for Communications team. Improve efficiency and effectiveness of Communications' shared workflows, including evaluating and implementing technology as needed.
6. Facilitate professional development for the Communications team by managing the learning and development budget, coordinating training opportunities, developing team onboarding resources, and planning workshops.
7. Facilitate and support implementation of strategic planning for Communications, including communication and reporting to the broader team.
8. Lead communication efforts during multi-agency response emergency situations, and serve as the City's designated Public Information Officer when an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide timely and accurate information during crises or public emergencies.
9. Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and readiness plans, including support of preparedness exercises.
10. Oversee all communication channels, including but not limited to, websites, social media, CityLink and One Team Portal.
11. Develop and lead the city's community engagement strategy and partner with other city departments. Lead in the creation and management of community-engagement platforms.
12. Partner with Information Technology division to identify and implement communication technologies, digital engagement tools, and emerging solutions that improve operational effectiveness and citizen engagement.
13. Supervise employees and make recommendations relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs, suspensions, disciplinary actions, adjustment of grievances, and participate in performance evaluations of employees under his/her jurisdiction.
14. Perform other such duties and functions as assigned or as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in communication, business, or public administration with a minimum of five (5) years' responsible experience in management and leadership in employee engagement, communications, or government affairs; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Supplemental Information
Ability and prior experience in leading teams to manage multiple projects while providing them guidance, looking after professional development needs, and inspiring teams to do their best work.

Ability to effectively act on personnel-related matters and implement personnel policies.

Ability to maintain the quality of work and the confidentiality and integrity of the Communications team.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain effective working relationships with and integrate the concerns, needs, and desires of the general public, public officials, community leaders, organizations, and City employees.

Ability to analyze a variety of administrative problems and make sounds policy and procedural recommendations in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public management and administration.

Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and judgmental skills in the analysis of data, policies, practices, and operational issues.

Ability to work independently, think strategically, multitask, and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines utilizing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to meet and work effectively with City leadership, elected officials, and City employees, and to proactively and effectively resolve conflicts utilizing strong interpersonal and communication skills; and to develop and maintain strong relationships.

Knowledge of research, analysis techniques, procedures, and related reporting methods.

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match. Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.