Director of Communications

POSITION TITLE Director of Communications
LOCATION Columbia, South Carolina
REPORTS TO SCMC Vice President of Member Relations, Strategy, and Programming
STATUS Full-Time; Exempt
Position Summary The Director of Communications leads SCMC’s communications strategy and execution both externally with the media and public and internally with SCMC membership. This role combines traditional corporate communications expertise with political communications acumen, requiring a strategic communicator who can navigate complex political landscapes, manage high-pressure media situations, and serve as both spokesperson and trusted advisor to executive leadership on all communication matters.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications Leadership Develop and execute comprehensive internal and external communications strategies aligned with business objectives and organizational priorities
Partner with senior leadership to craft key messages and positioning for major announcements and strategic initiatives
Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and media landscape to inform communication strategies
Execute crisis communication planning and response, serving as primary point of contact during sensitive situations
Media Relations & Spokesperson Duties Build and maintain relationships with political reporters, beat journalists, industry trade press, and media outlets
Conduct regular press briefings, gaggle sessions, and on-the-record interviews as organizational spokesperson
Coordinate daily media monitoring and provide real-time guidance to leadership on emerging stories
Execute proactive media strategies to advance organizational messaging and counter negative narratives
Manage both scheduled and impromptu press interactions with ability to think quickly under intense scrutiny
Develop rapid response capabilities for breaking news, opposition attacks, and crisis situations
Political Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement Navigate complex political environments and maintain relationships with government officials, regulators, and policy influencers
In coordination with President & CEO and VP of Government Affairs, coordinate messaging strategies during legislative sessions, regulatory proceedings, and policy debates
Engage with diverse stakeholder groups including member companies, legislators and staff, community leaders, and political allies
Develop and execute coalition-building efforts with allied organizations and advocacy groups
Manage communications during political campaign seasons, ballot initiatives, or advocacy efforts
Monitor opposition research and competitive intelligence
Content Strategy & Brand Management Develop communication materials including social media, press releases, newsletters, emails, blog posts, white papers, and executive presentations
Ensure consistent brand voice and messaging across all external communications channels
Collaborate with membership, marketing, policy, and other departments to align external messaging with broader organizational initiatives
Manage external communications calendar and coordinate timing of announcements with business priorities
Collaborate with Director of Marketing on SCMC Content Calendar.
Team Leadership & Operations Establish metrics and reporting systems to measure communication effectiveness and ROI
Collaborate cross-functionally with membership, policy, marketing, and other key departments
Experience & Background Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Journalism, Public Policy, or related field
5-7 years of progressive experience in external communications, political communications, campaign communications, or government press operations
Track record of managing communications for advocacy groups, trade associations, political campaigns, or government entities
Core Competencies Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to deliver messages clearly and precisely
Advanced media relations experience with established network of political reporters, beat journalists, and news producers
Strategic messaging development with understanding of political narratives and opposition research tactics
Experience with both traditional and digital communications, including real-time social media engagement during breaking news. Video production and editing ability necessary.
Rapid response and crisis communication expertise, including ability to craft messaging within tight deadlines
Ability to use a computer, computer software, applications, social media apps, email and the Internet
In office presence during scheduled hours, and work collaboratively in face-to-face interactions with others (other staff, members, directors, and the public)
Ability to work non-scheduled office hours when job requires
Prompt, Regular, predictable, and full attendance
Ability to handle productivity requirements of job (fast paced, stressful, and full attention when exigent issues arise)
Ability to work under strict deadlines and high levels of stress
Ability to work effectively, efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy, despite stress, interruptions or other office distractions.
Ability to set goals, meet deadlines, and work independently without excessive supervision or instruction
Ability to concentrate in a normal office environment and follow through on a task to completion
Ability to align multiple points of view, think critically about the consequences of communications, and align all communications with the organization’s mission and the membership’s goals.
Ability to multi-task and/or stop project to focus on other issues and then resume project
Ability to work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions
Ability to learn new tasks or dynamic factual issues quickly, including the ability to read, comprehend and retain information quickly
Ability to utilize time management skills and otherwise organize/prioritize tasks
Ability to comprehend and understand both written and oral instructions
Ability to remain poised under all circumstances, diffuse conflict with colleagues and/or customers/vendors/members, and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner
Ability to work as an integral part of a team
Political & Communication Skills Deep understanding of political processes, campaign cycles, and legislative/regulatory environments
Knowledge of media landscape including political beat reporters, cable news bookers, and digital influencers
Experience with polling analysis, message testing, and public opinion research
Understanding of opposition research, fact-checking processes, and defensive messaging strategies
Proficiency in rapid response systems, media monitoring tools, and real-time communications platforms
Knowledge of legal considerations in political communications, including disclosure requirements and compliance issues
Leadership & Personal Attributes Proven ability to remain calm and articulate under intense pressure and hostile questioning
Exceptional judgment in high-stakes situations with ability to make split-second messaging decisions
Strong coaching abilities to prepare executives for challenging interviews and public appearances
High emotional intelligence and thick skin for managing criticism and negative coverage
Discretion and loyalty with ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
On the cutting edge of the latest communications platforms, technology, and trends
Adaptability to work in fast-paced, 24/7 news cycle environment with irregular schedules
Compensation And Benefits Compensation Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives, at the discretion of SCMC President and CEO and Board leadership.
Benefits Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
Working Conditions Primary office location, with frequent travel throughout the state
Some evening and weekend work required for industry events and networking functions

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