Media and Recruitment Specialist

The Public Information Officer serves as the official spokesperson for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and is responsible for managing all public communications, media relations, and community information initiatives. This position ensures timely, accurate, and transparent dissemination of information to the public while maintaining the integrity of investigations and the safety of personnel and the community.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries involving the Sheriff’s Office.
• Prepare, review, and disseminate press releases, media advisories, and public statements.
• Coordinate press conferences, interviews, and media briefings.
• Ensure messaging aligns with agency policy, legal standards, and public safety priorities.
• Conduct pre-employment and background screening for new hires.
• Responsible for recruitment initiatives.
• Administer pre-employment testing.
• Coordinate polygraph testing for pre-employment.
• Communicate with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and other agencies, verbally and in writing, to determine candidates’ eligibility for employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Manage communication during critical incidents, emergencies, and major investigations.
• Coordinate messaging with county officials, emergency management, and partner agencies.
• Monitor media coverage and public response during evolving situations.

• Manage and maintain the Sheriff’s Office’s official website and social media platforms.
• Create written, visual, and video content to inform and educate the public.
• Monitor public comments and trends to identify misinformation or emerging concerns.
• Ensure compliance with public records, retention, and social media policies.

• Assist with internal messaging to personnel when needed.
• Support recruitment campaigns, community outreach programs, and agency initiatives.
• Provide communication support for special events, ceremonies, and public meetings.

• Act as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
• Support public education efforts related to crime prevention, safety initiatives, and agency programs.
• Build positive relationships with community organizations, civic leaders, and stakeholders.

• Maintain communication records and documentation in compliance with South Carolina public records laws.
• Ensure all communications adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards.
• Advise command staff on public perception and communication strategy.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Criminal Justice, or a related field (or equivalent experience);
• Prior experience in public information, communications, journalism, or media relations required;
• Must have and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license with a safe driving record;

• Experience working in or with a law enforcement or public safety agency;
• Training or certification as a Public Information Officer (PIO) through FEMA, SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED), or similar organizations;
• Experience in crisis communication and emergency management environments;
• Departmental testing will be administered during interview;
• Works on an on-call 24-hour basis for emergency incidents or breaking news;
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing;
• This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency situation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of law enforcement operations and…