Salary: $67,728.00 - $121,890.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 193456
Agency: Department of Education
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: BC46
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $67,728.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $94,758.00

Job Responsibilities
Job Purpose:
The Public Information Officer serves as the agency's chief media relations professional and primary liaison to the South Carolina press corps. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining productive relationships with journalists, responding to media inquiries, coordinating press outreach, managing social media strategy and accounts, and proactively telling the agency's story to the public. The Public Information Officer serves as a trusted communications advisor, helping translate complex policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage media relations as directed by the State Superintendent or supervisor.
• Work with print and broadcast journalists to communicate SCDE policy and vision.
• Respond to media queries.
• Arrange media interviews as directed.
• Write and distribute press advisories and releases.
• Lead and execute strategic media relations, social media, visual storytelling, and public communications initiatives.
• Develop clear and compelling messaging on complex education and public policy issues.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage and emerging trends.
• Collaborate across divisions to ensure consistent agency messaging and long-range communications planning.
• Produce and manage content for traditional, digital, and social media platforms.
• Coordinate photo, video, and multimedia coverage of agency events and campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Manage sensitive issues with sound judgement and discretion.
• Perform other duties as assigned by agency leadership.

This position is located in the Office of Communications.
Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree and relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Political Science, or a related field.
At least three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, news reporting, public information, public relations, communications, media relations, or a closely related field.
Experience working in newsroom environment, including print, television, radio, or digital journalism, is strongly preferred.
Additional Comments
As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.
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

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that a criminal record investigation will be conducted prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Education. My personal identifying information will be processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a bachelor's degree and relevant experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Political Science, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have at least three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, news reporting, public information, public relations, communications, media relations, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience working in a newsroom environment, including print, television, radio, or digital journalism?

• Yes
• No

07

How did you hear about this position?

• Careers.sc.gov
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media/Advertising
• Other (please specify below)

08

If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question