Director of Strategic Communication - Director of Media Relations (61031674)

Director of Strategic Communication - Director of Media Relations (61031674)

Salary

$85,176.00 - $146,166.00 Annually

Location

Richland County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

192999

Agency

Department of Transportation-Headquarters

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

BC52

Position Number:

61031674

Normal Work Schedule:

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

Pay Grade

GEN12

Hiring Range - Min.

$85,176.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$146,166.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

• You MUST demonstrate in the education and/or work experience sections of the application that you at least meet the minimum qualifications noted for the position.* 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.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Responsibilities

Under limited supervision from the Director of Public Engagement, responsible for the management of SCDOTs media relations, ensuring timely and accurate responses to media requests in coordiantion with the Director of Public Engagement.

Responds to media inquiries to provide accurate and timely information. Serves as a spokesperson for the agency. Broadly produces and circulates the agencys messages and brand in a timely manner. This function includes: communicating with the media to distribute agency-related news and updates; responding to inquiries and comments from the public; promoting agency programs and accomplishments; producing materials to communicate crisis management messages during emergencies; and educating the public about the agencys mission.

Writes and edits news releases, articles for publications, scripts for special events, videos and other formats, speeches, op-ed pieces, letters-to-the-editor, media campaigns, educational materials, etc., as needed. Develops and maintains an electronic database for timely distribution of press releases via email media contacts across the state. Maintains the SCDOT Press Release Internet Page and posts 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 SCDOTs projects and programs.

Assists in the planning and direction of communication strategies and long-range public information and/or education programs designed to promote and explain agency goals, activities and objectives. Works collaboratively with the entire public engagement team to achieve those 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. Serves as a resource for agency personnel on building and maintaining strong relationships with the media.

Develops systems and policies for the release and distribution of agency information. Develop and maintain a tracking system for media requests. Develop and maintains a system for sharing news coverage with internal stakeholders. Uses software to monitor media coverage and social media activity and generate analytic 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 bachelors degree and five (5) years of relevant experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operators 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 drivers license do you possess?

• Class A (CDL)
• Class B (CDL)
• SC Class C
• SC Class D
• Other State Drivers 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

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency Department of Transportation-Headquarters Address 955 Park Street, Room 115

Columbia, South Carolina, 29201

Phone 803-737-1321

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.