Strategic Projects Director

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 35615

Agency: Department of Human Services - Secretariat

Location:Pierre, SD

Salary: $77,203.80- $90,828 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: L

Closing Date: 5/7/26

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Human Services. For more information on the Department Human Services, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en .

Summary

DHS provides a broad range of services and supports for individuals with disabilities. The Department is comprised of five divisions (Developmental Disabilities, Long Term Services & Supports, Rehabilitation Services, Services to the Blind & Visually Impaired and the SD Developmental Center). For more information on the DHS, please visit http://dhs.sd.gov.

Duties

DHS is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to fulfill the duties of the strategic project director. As the strategic project director, you will have the opportunity to:

• work in a high-risk, high-impact position;
• engage in a variety of activities that are not typical of an entry-level program position;
• lead and direct teams in various project manager functions;
• work in an organization that improves the lives of many South Dakotans.
  
  

The strategic project director is responsible for planning, overseeing, and serving as the team leader for multiple projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget. The strategic project director will plan and designate project resources, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders informed throughout the project. The strategic project director will ensure projects are aligned with the Department's mission of enhancing the quality of life of the elderly and people with disabilities in partnership with our stakeholders. The strategic project director will oversee from start to finish a variety of special projects both short-term and long-term. The strategic project director will work closely and collaboratively with DHS leadership, program staff, and external stakeholders. Projects will be assigned to the strategic project director as needed. The types of projects the strategic project director will oversee, or will assist with, may include projects related to strategic planning, employee training and orientation, interdepartmental communications, guardianship, participation in various workgroups or committees, internal legislative activities, program and service development and/or expansion, etc. The multitude of special projects that the strategic project director will be involved in will impact the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities across South Dakota.

This Position Is Responsible For The Following Functions

• Serve as the team leader for various projects and other departmental priorities
• Directing team members from various Divisions with the Department on a project-by-project basis.
• Determine and define project scope and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, including rules and laws.
• Predict resources needed to reach objectives and manage resources in an effective and efficient manner.
• Track project costs in order to meet budget.
• Develop and manage a detailed project schedule and work plan.
• Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress.
• Manage multiple contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables and quality assurance.
• Utilize industry best practices, techniques, and standards throughout entire project execution.
• Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Measure project performance to identify areas for improvement including potential policy changes which can affect administrative rule change.
• Manages and directs the process to evaluate and monitor projects, including on-site monitoring and review.
• Manages annual collection, analysis, write-up, review and submission of projects summary.
• Coordinate with staff to guide progress, budget management and quality assurance.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  

This position has extensive contact with a myriad of federal, state, and local agencies/organizations to coordinate services, technical expertise, and to discuss issues and exchange information. The incumbent must be able to have crucial conversations with internal and external entities to meet objectives and to stay within the confines of budget and regulatory compliance.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Master’s Degree in a Human Services or related field;
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification;
• significant project management and related experience;
• the ability to understand business practices with leadership experience;
• the ability and initiative to effectively direct team members who may not be direct reports;
• leaning Six Sigma experience;
• experience seeing projects through the full life cycle;
• excellent analytical skills;
• strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful;
• must be able to work with little guidance and supervision;
• proven strong influential and leadership skills.
  
  

Knowledge of

• project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices;
• monitoring procedures;
• complaint investigation processes and procedures;
• DHS organization, rules, and functions;
• federal regulations pertaining to disabilities;
• state policies and procedures;
• accountability systems.
  
  

Skills To

• superior communication and writing skills;
• interpreting federal rules/regulations and explaining to outside entities;
• data analysis for project planning;
• making accurate projections;
• problem-solving (creative);
• project completion (scope, budget, and timeline).
  
  

Abilities To

• prioritize job tasks;
• work under minimal supervision;
• work effectively with people/groups of varying cultural backgrounds;
• provide management, mentorship, and direction;
• multi-task and function under stress;
• build rapport with multi-dimensional teams.
  
  

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

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 here . 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=3VK

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"