Communications Officer

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is seeking a Communications Officer to join our collaborative and mission-driven team.

As a Communications Officer with NDDPI, you will be a dedicated member of our Outreach and Engagement team, working together to support statewide initiatives, strengthen internal and external messaging, and help NDDPI tell its stories in ways that truly connect. One day you might be drafting a press release or editing a report; the next, you may be guiding leadership through a rapidly evolving situation. Your work will directly shape how NDDPI shares its story-supporting statewide initiatives, elevating public understanding, and fostering meaningful collaboration.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans for new initiatives, projects and campaigns.
• Writing, editing and producing high-quality materials such as press releases, articles, newsletters, speeches and digital content.
• Supporting leaders in communicating with the public and the media.
• Providing guidance to agency leadership on messaging, timing and communication strategy.
• Collaborating with NDDPI's Outreach and Engagement team to create engaging visual and digital content.
• Help ensure consistency, clarity, and impact across all communications efforts.

What You'll Bring:

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment, especially in time-sensitive or high-visibility situations.
• Experience developing communication plans and translating complex information into clear, compelling messages.
• Confidence working with leadership and providing thoughtful communication guidance.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across teams and agencies.
• Familiarity with digital communication tools, content creation, and storytelling techniques.
• An ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to public service and a genuine interest in education and community impact.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• The opportunity to do meaningful work that directly impacts students, educators, and communities across North Dakota.
• A collaborative, supportive team environment where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• Variety in your day-to-day work, with opportunities to grow your skills across multiple areas of communications.
• The chance to work closely with leadership and play a visible role in shaping statewide messaging.
• Professional development opportunities and the ability to expand your strategic communications experience.
• A strong sense of purpose-helping tell stories that matter and making information accessible to the people who need it most.

Compensation & Location

• Hiring Range: $5,800-$7,100/month, depending on experience.
• Location: Onsite at the State Capitol in Bismarck, ND. This position may be eligible to work remotely up to two days per week upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, English, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field and two (2) years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing; OR
• Associate's degree in communications, digital media, graphic design, marketing or a closely related field and four (4) years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.

About Team ND

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures

Ready to Apply?

• Submit your application and resume on ND Careers by 11:59 PM Central Time (CT) on the closing date. View ND Careers
• Include details on how your background aligns with the role in your cover letter and resume.
• A criminal background check is required for the selected candidate.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (No visa sponsorships provided.)

Questions or Accommodations?

Contact Anne Kerzman, Human Resources Administrative Assistant

amkerzman@nd.gov | (701) 328-2262

For tech issues, contact recruiter@nd.gov | (701) 328-3290

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.