Public Information Officer

North Charleston, SC
Charleston County Government

Salary: $90,272.00 – $118,310.00 Annually.

Position Summary:

This position is a senior staff member who reports to the County Administrator, but also provides support to department heads and other employees. The role functions as a liaison with other governments, outside agencies, the media, and the public on projects/issues of common or community concern. This person has a seat at the table to provide guidance to the County’s administration on county projects/issues as viewed by the media, residents, and other publications. This is a supervisor role overseeing the positions of the Communications Coordinator and Media Production Specialist.

Essential Functions:

  • As part of that effort, this person will: research, analyze or develop information/proposals; coordinate public statements and information on behalf of the county, both written and oral; develop/coordinate external communication efforts, such as publications, the website, press releases, press conferences, public relations campaigns, presentations, speeches and special events; develop a united public relations response in times of emergencies, including coordination with other governments and agencies; and gather/maintain information on major county projects and issues.
  • The PIO is on call to respond to county emergencies and works with other governments and agencies to coordinate the release of emergency information during a crisis. This person attends County Council and Committee meetings, but some of these duties can be split with Communications Coordinator.

Requirements:

  • Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, or related field, supplemented with five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience in governmental operations, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.