Public Information Director I - Public Information Officer

Salary:

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

Richland County, SC
Job Type:

FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:

189049
Agency:

Department of Transportation-Headquarters
Opening Date:

06/01/2026
Closing Date:

6/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code::

BC44
Position Number::

61031676
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:

06/02/2026
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
SCDOT is seeking a creative, collaborative and highly organized Public Information Officer to support statewide strategic communications initiatives through digital storytelling, public engagement and emergency communications. This position plays a key role in developing compelling content for social media, newsletters, public outreach efforts and emergency response operations while helping keep South Carolinians informed about transportation projects, safety initiatives and agency operations.
The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with strong writing, photography, video and content planning skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about public service communications.
Key Responsibilities
Develops and executes strategic communications campaigns that support agency goals and public engagement initiatives.
Creates high-quality written, visual and video content for social media platforms, digital campaigns, newsletters and other public-facing communications.
Collaborates with district offices, field personnel and agency leadership to identify and share timely transportation news and project updates.
Supports emergency communications operations during severe weather events, emergency activations and statewide incidents, including possible deployment to impacted areas or participation in the Joint Information Center.
Builds and maintains strong working relationships with district staff, government partners, media contacts and communications professionals across the state.
Participates in content planning meetings and contribute ideas for integrated communications campaigns and storytelling initiatives.
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 of this position include sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods and working on a computer. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during inclement weather and/or other departmental-related emergencies. Employee should be able to work a flexible work schedule on occasion to cover events outside the normal workday in various parts of the state.
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

Describe a communications campaign you developed from start to finish.
02

Do you have experience creating video projects from start to finish?

Yes
No

03

Explain your experience creating content for social media.
04

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

05

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

06

Please indicate the highest level of education you have attained. If you have not completed high school, please indicate the highest grade you completed.
07

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

08

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

09

If you selected "other" please explain how you found out about the vacancy at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
10

If you were referred by a current SCDOT employee, what is their name?
11

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

12

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