External Affairs Communications Specialist
State of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND, United States
In This Role, You Will
North Dakota Indian Affairs is looking for their next
External Affairs Communication Specialist
that will play a key role in advancing respectful, effective communication between Tribal and state partners. North Dakota Indian Affairs serves as a vital resource and partner to the state's five Tribal Nations. The Commission works to promote collaboration, understanding, and opportunities that strengthen Tribal communities and the state as a whole.
What You’ll Do As the External Affairs Communication Specialist, you will serve as a key connector between North Dakota state government and Tribal Nations. In this role, you’ll combine strategic communications, cultural coordination, and relationship-building to support respectful engagement, transparent public messaging, and strong intergovernmental partnerships.
Serving in a Public Information Officer (PIO) capacity, you will lead communication efforts across media, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement while helping ensure alignment between Tribal governments and state agencies.
Strengthen Cultural Coordination & Protocol
Advise state agencies on appropriate protocols when engaging with Tribal Nations and Native communities.
Provide guidance and training on cultural competency and effective communication practices.
Lead Public Information & Communications
Develop and deliver clear, accurate, and timely messaging to the public and media.
Support crisis communication efforts, including message development and media coordination.
Manage Website & Digital Presence
Oversee the agency’s website to ensure content is accurate, accessible, and ADA compliant.
Continuously improve digital content and user experience.
Drive Social Media & Marketing Efforts
Develop and execute social media strategies to increase awareness and engagement.
Create, manage, and monitor content across platforms, using insights to inform future efforts.
Assist in developing marketing campaigns, press releases, and promotional materials.
Support Events & Outreach
Assist in planning and executing agency events and partnership initiatives.
Represent the agency at meetings, public events, and on boards or committees as assigned.
Build & Maintain Key Relationships
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with Tribal leaders, government officials, and community partners.
Partner with state agencies to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated communication efforts.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
Or four years of working experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
Demonstrated understanding of Native American cultures and Tribal government structures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience managing websites and social media platforms.
What Will Set You Apart
Experience working with Tribal governments, Native communities, and/or government agencies.
Demonstrated ability in mediation, conflict resolution, and facilitation.
Deep cultural competency and respect for Native cultures, traditions, and Tribal governance.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across agencies and with Tribal partners.
The Extras
This position does require traveling throughout the state visiting with tribes and tribal leaders.
This position plays a highly visible role representing the agency and requires professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.
Compensation & Location
Work Style: Onsite at the Capitol Complex in Bismarck
Shift: Monday-Friday with flexible day‑time schedule options.
Hiring Range: $4,000‑$4,400/month; depending on experience.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
External Affairs Communication Specialist
that will play a key role in advancing respectful, effective communication between Tribal and state partners. North Dakota Indian Affairs serves as a vital resource and partner to the state's five Tribal Nations. The Commission works to promote collaboration, understanding, and opportunities that strengthen Tribal communities and the state as a whole.
What You’ll Do As the External Affairs Communication Specialist, you will serve as a key connector between North Dakota state government and Tribal Nations. In this role, you’ll combine strategic communications, cultural coordination, and relationship-building to support respectful engagement, transparent public messaging, and strong intergovernmental partnerships.
Serving in a Public Information Officer (PIO) capacity, you will lead communication efforts across media, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement while helping ensure alignment between Tribal governments and state agencies.
Strengthen Cultural Coordination & Protocol
Advise state agencies on appropriate protocols when engaging with Tribal Nations and Native communities.
Provide guidance and training on cultural competency and effective communication practices.
Lead Public Information & Communications
Develop and deliver clear, accurate, and timely messaging to the public and media.
Support crisis communication efforts, including message development and media coordination.
Manage Website & Digital Presence
Oversee the agency’s website to ensure content is accurate, accessible, and ADA compliant.
Continuously improve digital content and user experience.
Drive Social Media & Marketing Efforts
Develop and execute social media strategies to increase awareness and engagement.
Create, manage, and monitor content across platforms, using insights to inform future efforts.
Assist in developing marketing campaigns, press releases, and promotional materials.
Support Events & Outreach
Assist in planning and executing agency events and partnership initiatives.
Represent the agency at meetings, public events, and on boards or committees as assigned.
Build & Maintain Key Relationships
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with Tribal leaders, government officials, and community partners.
Partner with state agencies to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated communication efforts.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
Or four years of working experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
Demonstrated understanding of Native American cultures and Tribal government structures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience managing websites and social media platforms.
What Will Set You Apart
Experience working with Tribal governments, Native communities, and/or government agencies.
Demonstrated ability in mediation, conflict resolution, and facilitation.
Deep cultural competency and respect for Native cultures, traditions, and Tribal governance.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across agencies and with Tribal partners.
The Extras
This position does require traveling throughout the state visiting with tribes and tribal leaders.
This position plays a highly visible role representing the agency and requires professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.
Compensation & Location
Work Style: Onsite at the Capitol Complex in Bismarck
Shift: Monday-Friday with flexible day‑time schedule options.
Hiring Range: $4,000‑$4,400/month; depending on experience.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr