IT Product Owner

South Dakota State Government is seeking an IT Product Owner to support the Department of Social Services / Division of Economic Assistance with statewide technology delivery in South Dakota. In this role, you will work with Economic Assistance leadership and the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) to ensure projects reflect program needs, manage delivery across full lifecycles, and keep stakeholders informed throughout implementation.

This is a full-time, onsite position (40 hours weekly) with a salary range of USD 79,138 to 111,724 per year, depending on qualifications. The role is job ID 38211 with a closing date of 11.3.2026.

What you will do

• Collaborate with Economic Assistance leadership to ensure technology projects align with business user needs and program goals.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in partnership with stakeholders to match business goals and requirements.
• Plan, build, and execute comprehensive project plans, timelines, and resource allocation, including managing project budgets.
• Lead project teams by coordinating activities, assigning tasks, and supporting adherence to schedules and milestones.
• Manage vendor relationships and contracts tied to information technology systems.
• Partner closely with BIT to address technology and security requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with development, design, and training teams to support successful product launches.
• Oversee delivery through planning, design, development, implementation, deployment, and system maintenance.
• Establish project governance and monitoring controls, including tracking progress, identifying variances, and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and manage project documentation such as project plans, status reports, and records of decisions and changes.
• Identify project risks and create documented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues.
• Facilitate transitions to new systems and processes through change management strategies, staying current on trends and emergent information systems that support program goals and needs.
• Manage changes to scope, timelines, and requirements by assessing impact on deliverables and resources.
• Conduct regular project meetings and facilitate effective communication among team members and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to project management methodologies, best practices, and quality standards across the project lifecycle.
• Assist with building and completing IT Strategy related projects with internal and external resources.
• Communicate project progress, updates, and status to stakeholders and senior management to support transparent decision-making.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in information technology, social work, public administration, or other human service related field is preferred (the posting includes an incomplete phrase after “field (p”).
• Knowledge of Economic Assistance programs including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Energy Assistance, and Child Care Assistance and related information systems.
• Effective and efficient communication skills.
• Ability to plan and organize work, manage multiple demands, prioritize tasks, and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Demonstrated compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others.
• Confidence and innovation despite adversity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with stakeholders.
• Understanding of concepts related to client confidentiality.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Capability to prepare clear, concise documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to conceptualize needed change and initiate appropriate activities to move from concepts to implementation.

Benefits

• Eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
• State of South Dakota offers a $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.
• Position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Other details

• May require occasional in-state travel.
• To be considered, 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.
• NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, submit it with your application; it is not required to be considered.
• The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas. All hires must verify identity and work eligibility and complete Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, with E-Verify used upon hire.
• Application method: Apply online. Emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.