Director of Strategic Communications - Media Relations Director

Job Responsibilities

• Respond to media inquiries to provide accurate and timely information.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the agency.
• Produce and circulate the agency's messages and brand in a timely manner.
• Communicate with the media to distribute agency-related news and updates.
• Respond to inquiries and comments from the public.
• Promote agency programs and accomplishments.
• Produce materials to communicate crisis management messages during emergencies.
• Educate the public about the agency's mission.
• Write and edit news releases, articles for publications, scripts for special events, videos, speeches, op‑ed pieces, letters‑to‑the‑editor, media campaigns, educational materials, etc.
• Develop and maintain an electronic database for timely distribution of press releases via email media contacts across the state.
• Maintain the SCDOT Press Release Internet Page and post releases and digital photos on the website concerning construction and maintenance updates, general news about the agency, public meetings and weather emergency information, etc.
• Coordinate with Public Information Officers to ensure consistent information is provided across social media platforms and in response to media requests.
• Provide media members with information about SCDOT's projects and programs proactively.
• Assist 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.
• Work collaboratively with the entire public engagement team to achieve those goals.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information and requests appropriately, keeping leadership informed.
• Provide media members with opportunities to receive updates on SCDOT projects and help onboard new reporters by providing them with information and points of contact.
• Serve as a resource for agency personnel on building and maintaining strong relationships with the media.
• Develop systems and policies for the release and distribution of agency information.
• Maintain a tracking system for media requests and a system for sharing news coverage with internal stakeholders.
• Use software to monitor media coverage and social media activity and generate analytic reports.
• Coordinate the planning of special events, news conferences, tours, conferences and media interviews.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• A bachelor's degree and five (5) years of relevant experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence.
• A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

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.