Job Description
At the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, we are committed to serving, advocating for, protecting, and promoting agriculture to benefit everyone. Through support for diversity, innovation, research, and trade, we work to strengthen and advance the state's agriculture industry. As a valued member of the department, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports agricultural producers, businesses, and the citizens of North Dakota.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including fully paid family health insurance, paid holidays and leave, a retirement plan, a flexible work schedule, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Salary Range: $5,250-$5,750 per month
The Public Information Officer develops, manages, and distributes clear, accurate, and timely information for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. The position works closely with the Commissioner and all department divisions to support public information, media relations, publications, digital communications, and special programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, edit, and distribute press releases, publications, fact sheets, newsletters, reports, and other official communications.
- Coordinate media relations, press conferences, and responses to inquiries from the media and the public.
- Manage department website, intranet, social media, and digital communications using platforms such as Drupal and GovDelivery, ensuring ADA compliance.
- Research, design, edit, and publish departmental publications, including newsletters, magazines, biennial reports, and the agriculture section of the North Dakota Blue Book.
- Maintain departmental archives, statistics, historical information, photography, and communications records.
- Coordinate communications, materials, and logistics for department programs, events, meetings, trade shows, and advertising initiatives.
- Administer the Centennial Farm Program and certificates of free sale.
- Coordinate printing, publication distribution, meeting notifications, and consultant services.
- Monitor agricultural news and emerging issues affecting the department and statewide agriculture.
This position is based on-site at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck and requires regular in-office presence to support the Agriculture Commissioner, collaborate with the Business, Marketing and Information Division, and fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, and one year of professional work experience related to the duties of the position.
- Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and communicate clearly and effectively.
- Professional experience developing, editing, proofreading, or producing publications and communication materials.
- Professional experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
- Professional experience managing organizational websites and social media platforms.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal divisions, external partners, the media, and the public.
- Ability to travel both in-state and out-of-state, including overnight and occasional weekend travel, to attend conferences, meetings, continuing education opportunities, and other events, and to assist with Pride of Dakota showcases as needed.
- A valid Class D driver's license to fulfill the travel responsibilities of the position.
Preferred Qualifications: - Strong knowledge of AP style, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional writing standards, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, polished, and audience-appropriate written content.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, InDesign, and/or Illustrator.
- Professional experience with photography and videography.
- Experience with planning and composing brochures, newsletters and other publications.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Self-starter, with the ability to work independently, and take initiative.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.
Application Procedures: Applicants must complete the online application at by the closing date at 11:59 p.m. CT. The application must include a resume, cover letter, and college transcripts, either official or unofficial.
The cover letter should provide a detailed summary of how your education, professional experience, and skills align with the qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does not provide employment sponsorship.
Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or call 701-328-3290.
For more information or to request accommodation or assistance during the application or selection process, please contact Shelley Theisen, Human Resource Officer, at 701-328-4757 or 1-800-242-7535.
About Team ND "Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
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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. § 23-12-10.
Job Tags
Work experience placement, Work at office, Flexible hours, Night shift