Operations Director

Job ID: 31016
Agency: Department of Social Services
Location: Pierre, SD or Sioux Falls, SD with Pierre having preference
Salary: $85,000 - $115,000, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: GM
Closing Date: 04.23.25

This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/.

Our Culture: Family focused. Person centered.

At our organization it is the belief that every South Dakota family has the right to be safe and secure. We believe in respecting individuals and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness and respect.

Our Department: Build Strong Families, South Dakota’s Foundation and Our Future.

The Department of Social Services aims to strengthen and support individuals and families, connecting them with resources to foster independent and healthy lives.

Our Team: Dependable. Committed. Compassionate.

As a member of the Department of Social Services you will be part of a team of professionals who are dependable, committed, and compassionate. We believe collaborative communication, teamwork, partnerships, and trust are foundational to the delivery of essential family services.

Who we want:

• a highly motivated and experienced person with a passion for serving the public and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• a compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
• a dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities and effectively leads a team to execute required responsibilities;
• a person who is dedicated and who will represent the Department of Social Service with integrity and enthusiasm; and
• key member of the agency leadership team and an individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate to achieve shared goals.

What you will do:

Lead a team of individuals and direct key operational functions including:

• direct a team of professionals to execute operational support in over 40 DSS locations;
• responsible for performance management, work direction, and resources for the agency’s operations team;
• communicate effectively with DSS leadership and staff regarding operational issues, supports, and processes;
• oversee agency property leases to ensure state standards are met through lease agreements and memorandums of understanding with other agencies;
• equipment and operational management including office equipment, computers, security systems, etc.
• manages the Department’s procurement processes of all professional services and coordination of all information technology contracts for the department;
• oversee development and management of operations division operational budget and manages space billing for all department leased space;
• coordinate with the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration and Bureau of Information and Telecommunications to design, execute, and implement physical space security plans;
• develop and oversee implementation of the agency Emergency Continuity of Operations Plan;
• work collaboratively with agency local leadership to support operational efficiencies at various DSS locations.

Education/Licenses:

A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, Information Technology, or a related field.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• have outstanding project management and leadership abilities;
• successfully plan and organize work activities, effectively lead and manage teams, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines;
• demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy and tact when interacting with others;
• demonstrate working knowledge of IT Business infrastructure, lease and space management;
• establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders;
• display aptitude in decision making and problem solving;
• could comprehend, interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws and regulations;
• prepare clear and concise documentation, reports and communication;
• conceptualize needed change and initiate appropriate activities to move from concepts to implementation;
• accurately track and manage appropriated budget and expenditures;
• have experience or knowledge of tools including software, devices, and other tools to manage physical security and access controls.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1EP
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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