Digital Communications Specialist

Summary of Work

Hiring Range: $4,800-$5,100 per month plus full state benefit package

This position is in the Office of Outreach & Engagement.

Location: Onsite at the State Capitol in Bismarck, ND. This position may be eligible to apply for part-time telecommuting after successfully completing the probationary period.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is seeking a versatile and creative Digital Communications & Design Specialist to lead the development, design, and management of digital communications. This position combines website administration, graphic design, and social media oversight to ensure engaging, accessible, and cohesive digital content that supports the department's mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain the department's website, ensuring accuracy, clarity, accessibility (ADA/Section 508), and user-friendly structure.
• Remediate and publish accessible digital documents, including PDFs and other public-facing content.
• Create compelling visual content for web, social media, and print using tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Design and maintain brand-consistent graphics, templates, and layouts for digital platforms.
• Plan, schedule, and manage content across official NDDPI social media accounts in alignment with communications goals.
• Monitor digital performance analytics (web and social media) to refine messaging and improve user engagement.
• Ensure all digital content aligns with records retention requirements and state/federal accessibility standards.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on digital content practices, accessibility, and branding.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing, Web Design, or a related field, and at least two years of professional experience in digital communications, web management, graphic design, or a related area.

Or

Bachelor's degree in Digital Media, Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing, Web Design, or a related field, and at least one year of professional experience in digital communications, web management, graphic design, or a related area.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and document remediation tools.
• Strong understanding of website accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1), ADA compliance, and Section 508.
• Experience with content management systems (e.g., Sitecore, WordPress).
• Excellent written and visual communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS.
• Experience managing institutional or organizational social media accounts.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics and social media insights tools.
• Experience working in a government, education, or public-sector environment.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility best practices.

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

All applications must be made via the ND Careers site. Paper or emailed submissions are no longer accepted. Applications must be completed by 11:59 PM on the closing date listed above.

Only complete applications will be considered and must include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references

Note: Copies of applicable transcripts (need not be official) will be required upon hire.

The cover letter and the application materials must clearly explain how your education, work experience, and skills meet the minimum qualifications and relate to the job duties in the work summary.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The Department of Public Instruction does not offer or provide sponsorships.

For more information, assistance, or accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Anne Kerzman (701) 328-2262 amkerzman@nd.gov

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.