"HR Communications & Employee Engagement Specialist"

Job Details

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
HR Communications & Employee Engagement Specialist

Posting Number
NFE02936P

Department
SDSU-Human Resources

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Office of Human Resources is seeking a dynamic HR Communications & Engagement Specialist to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to shape how we connect with employees and the broader community through innovative communications, strategic marketing, and meaningful engagement initiatives. We’re looking for a professional who is passionate about fostering a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee experiences, and ensuring that information is delivered in a clear, accessible, and impactful way. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position, located in Brookings, South Dakota, reporting to the Director of Human Resources.

The Office of Human Resources at SDSU is a dynamic and integral part of our institution’s commitment to excellence in higher education. We are a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, deploy, and maintain comprehensive internal and external strategic communications programs and activities.
• Manage HR communication channels including websites, newsletters, written and video messaging, social media, and employee-facing presentations.
• Serve as liaison for digital accessibility to ensure all communications and resources are accessible.
• Coordinate and deliver employee training, new employee orientation, and onboarding packages.
• Create recruitment and retention materials that promote SDSU as an employer of choice.
• Organize campaigns and engagement opportunities to foster employee morale, connectivity, and awareness of university, state, and community resources.
• Provide timely, relevant and impactful information to employees and supervisors in a people-centered manner.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree completed by first day of employment;
• At least 1 year of communications, marketing, or related experience;
• Experience collaborating with team members and/or other departments, units, etc;
• Demonstrated technology skills; and
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or Marketing;
• Human Resources experience;
• Background in website development and maintenance, including newsletters and social media;
• Marketing experience with demonstrated ability to plan, create, collaborate, implement, and evaluate strategic communication and engagement campaigns;
• Digital accessibility background, with familiarity in ensuring accessible communications; and
• Experience coordinating orientation or training programs.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState 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 SDState 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.

Posting Date
12/30/2025

Closing Date
01/13/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Advertised Salary
The salary range for this position is $56,000 to $62,000

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
Normal work schedule is 8 am to 5 pm, M-F with schedule adjustments when needed.

Appointment Type
Regular

Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Mary Larson, HR Director, 605-688-4128.