Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, while allowing people to live and work where they love.

As one of 20 cabinet agencies, S.C. Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency. Its mission is to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, which it does by supporting new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging industries such as life sciences, headquarters and advanced energy. To drive the state’s advanced energy potential and global impact, S.C. Commerce helped organize the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), designated as one of 31 federal Technology and Innovation Hubs in 2023. A national leader in foreign direct investment, South Carolina extends its international reach with representation in Europe and Asia, ensuring the state remains a top, global business destination from launch to legacy.

S.C. Commerce’s Marketing and Communications Division is looking for a talented professional to serve as the agency’s Public Information Director . Candidates must have experience in the planning, development and implementation of effective, timely and impactful communications efforts that support an organization’s strategic plan and goals, as well as extensive experience writing talking points, speeches and other communications

The competencies and responsibilities of the Public Information Director are outlined below.

As the agency’s primary media contact, conduct thorough research – ensuring appropriate approvals – to develop and deliver accurate, timely and transparent media responses that leverage and protect the agency’s brand.
Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with statewide media outlets including coordination of interviews and press announcements.
Track media coverage, maintain media database, generate reports detailing media coverage, and identify opportunities for proactive additional shared media.
Utilize experience and strong attention to detail to gather, organize, synthesize and present content information in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
Through independent research and consultation with subject matter experts, develop, write, proof and deliver compelling executive level messages, talking points and communication materials – delivering two to four sets of talking points per week.
Develop and distribute agency-specific and programmatic press releases, articles, and other media materials to enhance agency visibility.
Working with the Communications team, execute the creation and deployment of select, assigned communications for all platforms including newsletters and newsletter articles, video scripts, social media posts, web copy, etc.
Ensure the proper posting of meetings agendas in compliance with S.C. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws.
Manage simultaneous projects ensuring all deadlines are met.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.

Must be able to write, edit and deploy a variety of content, while maintaining clear, effective and compelling communications with a strong working knowledge of grammar, composition and Associated Press style.

Must be detailed-oriented and able to manage multiple, priority projects while meeting tight deadlines and adjusting to last-minute changes to deadlines.

Must be assertive and proactive when engaging stakeholders for requesting and receiving information in a timely manner to meet assigned deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Prefer a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field and at least five years of relevant professional experience. Prefer at least two of the five years of experience to be in media relations. Knowledge of economic development also preferred.

Additional Comments

All candidates must submit at least two writing samples. Both samples must be no more than two years old and should demonstrate an understanding of the Associated Press style.

Cover letter and resume must be submitted with application. Applications without cover letter, resume and work samples will NOT be considered.

The applicant must possess a valid drivers' license.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce offers an exceptional benefit package for full time and temporary grant positions that include:

Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Children.
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
15 days of sick leave per year.
13 paid holidays.
State Retirement Pension and 401K Plans
Deferred Compensation Programs
Paid Parental Leave.
Telecommute options of 1-2 days per week.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

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Public Information Director