Public Information Director I - Media Relations Specialist

Salary:

$52,100.00 - $88,600.00 Annually
Location :

Richland County, SC
Job Type:

FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:

188453
Agency:

Department of Transportation-Headquarters
Opening Date:

05/14/2026
Closing Date:

5/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code::

BC44
Position Number::

61035811
Normal Work Schedule::

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade:

GEN09
Hiring Range - Min.:

$52,100.00
Hiring Range - Max.:

$88,600.00
Opening Date:

05/14/2026
EEO Statement:

Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures::

Apply online and fully complete all sections of the application. A resume may be provided, but will not substitute for completing any section of the application. Accurately respond to all Supplemental Questions since they are part of your official application and are used to initially screen applicants. If the selected candidate indicates attainment of a college degree(s), he/she may be required to provide an official college transcript within thirty (30) calendar days of employment. Failure to provide documentation within the required time frame may result in termination of employment. SCDOT Human Resources Office, Room 115, 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: (803) 737-1321.
Veteran Preference Statement:

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities

Responds to media inquiries to provide accurate and timely information. Serves as a spokesperson for the agency. Responds to inquiries and comments from the media; producing materials to communicate crisis management messages during emergencies; and educating the public about the agency's mission.

Writes and edits news releases, articles for publications, scripts for special events, videos and other formats, speeches, media campaigns, educational materials, etc., as needed. Maintains an electronic database for timely distribution of press releases via email media contacts across the state. Assists in maintaining the SCDOT Press Release Internet Page by posting releases and digital photos on the web site in a timely manner concerning construction and maintenance updates, general news about the agency, public meetings, and weather emergency information, etc.

Coordinates with the Public Information Officers to ensure consistent information is provided across social media platforms and in response to media requests. Works proactively to provide media members with information about SCDOT's projects and programs.

Works collaboratively with the entire public engagement team to achieve agency goals.

Handles confidential and sensitive information and requests appropriately, keeping leadership informed.

Proactively provides media members with opportunities to receive updates on SCDOT projects. Helps onboard new reporters by providing them with information and points of contact. Assists agency personnel on building and maintaining strong relationships with the media.

Follows systems and policies for the release and distribution of agency information developed by the Media Relations Manager, Director of Strategic Planning and Director of Public Engagement. Assists in maintaining a tracking system for media requests. Assists in maintaining a system for sharing news coverage with internal stakeholders. Use software to monitor media coverage and to generate reports.

In coordination with other public engagement staff members, coordinates the planning of special events, news conferences, tours, conferences and media interviews. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree and one (1) year of relevant experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

The physical demands for the essential functions includes sitting or standing at a desk for an extended periods and working on a computer. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. May be required to work outside normal business hours.
Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Are you a current SCDOT employee? Your work experience with SCDOT should be reflected on the application in the work history section. Failure to accurately reflect work history may result in non-selection.

Yes
No

02

Are you a former SCDOT employee? Your work experience with SCDOT should be reflected on the application in the work history section. Failure to accurately reflect work history may result in non-selection.

Yes
No

03

Please indicate the highest level of education you have attained. If you have not completed high school, please indicate the highest grade you completed.
04

What class driver's license do you possess?

Class A (CDL)
Class B (CDL)
SC Class C
SC Class D
Other State Driver's License
None

05

How did you find out about this vacancy at the South Carolina Department of Transportation? Please check all that apply.

Job/Career Fair
Referred by current SCDOT employee
SCDOT presentation
Sign or billboard
Bumper sticker/magnetic sign
Facebook or Twitter post
Internship
Newspaper Ad
Radio Ad
Television Ad
Trade Journal
Referred from Vocational Rehab
Referred from Department of Employment and Workforce
Jobs.SC.Gov webpage
Other

06

If you selected "other" please explain how you found out about the vacancy at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
07

If you were referred by a current SCDOT employee, what is their name?
08

I understand that I must complete the state application to include current and previous work history and education. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application.Only information contained within this application will be used to determine my qualifications for this position or for any other employment consideration should I be the selected candidate. I have read and acknowledged this statement.

Yes
No

09

My failure to accurately and completely describe my work experience may prevent my application from being forwarded to the hiring manager. I understand and acknowledge this statement.

Yes
No

Required Question