Director of Strategic Communications - 60025266
Apply NowCompany: State of South Carolina
Location: Lexington, SC 29072
Description:
Salary: $68,397.00 - $126,547.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 175592
Agency: Department of Education
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: BC52
Position Number:: 60025266
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Band: Band 8
Hiring Range - Min.: $68,397.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $126,547.00
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Interested persons must complete a State Employment Application at www.careers.sc.gov. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The South Carolina Department of Education does not accept faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Job Overview
The Communications Director will lead and manage the agency's communication and marketing strategies to promote understanding of the agency's mission, objectives, and initiatives among stakeholders, including the general public, teachers, media, and other government entities. This role ensures that the agency's messaging aligns with its goals and objectives, while fostering positive relationships with various audiences.
Our ideal candidate would be able to quickly integrate into the Senior Leadership Team, bring a heightened level of organization and coherence to multiple PR initiatives taking place within the agency, creatively seek out opportunities to share the amazing work being done by the agency, and execute long range communications plans balancing the multiple different agency initiatives to raise awareness of these initiatives among a broad range of audiences.
This position will work in-person at the Department's headquarters in West Columbia.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Planning: Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies that support the agency's strategic plan, objectives, and initiatives to build awareness of the agency's efforts among various audiences. Utilize a communications calendar in consultation with other senior leadership to creatively and strategically meet communications needs on multiple fronts targeting differentiated audiences through various channels.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the communications team, providing guidance and support in their professional development. Assign projects and oversee workflow to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of communications materials.
Content Creation: Initiate and oversee the creation of high-quality content for multiple platforms, including press releases, newsletters, memos, videography, social media posts, and other digital and print materials. Ensure all content is clear, engaging, and consistent with the agency's messaging.
Media Relations: Oversee team members who foster media relationships, respond to press inquiries, develop press releases, and manage press conferences and media events to effectively communicate the agency's messages and respond to inquiries.
Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, and the public. Proactively organize outreach activities to foster engagement and collaboration.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a similar field, with at least two (2) years in a leadership position, with relevant experience developing, executing, or managing public relations campaigns.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of state agency functions, public policy, and the political process. Familiarity with the current media landscape.
Organizational Ability: Strong ability to manage both time and detail in service of developing and executing multi-layered communications plans.
Initiative: Self-starting individual who proactively finds or creates opportunities to share the agency's message.
Creative: Ability to take the agency's initiatives and communicate them in a new way adapting to changing communications landscape.
Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire and lead a team of communication professionals in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional Writing and Editing: Strong command of language, with the ability to create compelling narratives and edit content effectively.
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Crisis Management: Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations and develop effective communication strategies during crises.
Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing communication metrics and translating data into actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Additional Comments
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.
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).
03
Do you have a bachelor's degree and relevant experience?
04
Do you have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a similar field, with at least two (2) years in a leadership position, with relevant experience developing, executing, or managing public relations campaigns?
05
Describe your experience with planning, leading, and executing statewide or national public relations campaigns.
06
Describe your prior management experience.
07
Please share any software proficiency you have (video editing software, graphic design software, etc).
08
Based on information available on the website and through social media accounts, what initiative/focus of the South Carolina Department of Education resonates most with you? Please explain why.
09
How did you hear about this position?
10
If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 175592
Agency: Department of Education
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: BC52
Position Number:: 60025266
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Band: Band 8
Hiring Range - Min.: $68,397.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $126,547.00
Opening Date: 04/16/2025
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Interested persons must complete a State Employment Application at www.careers.sc.gov. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The South Carolina Department of Education does not accept faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Job Overview
The Communications Director will lead and manage the agency's communication and marketing strategies to promote understanding of the agency's mission, objectives, and initiatives among stakeholders, including the general public, teachers, media, and other government entities. This role ensures that the agency's messaging aligns with its goals and objectives, while fostering positive relationships with various audiences.
Our ideal candidate would be able to quickly integrate into the Senior Leadership Team, bring a heightened level of organization and coherence to multiple PR initiatives taking place within the agency, creatively seek out opportunities to share the amazing work being done by the agency, and execute long range communications plans balancing the multiple different agency initiatives to raise awareness of these initiatives among a broad range of audiences.
This position will work in-person at the Department's headquarters in West Columbia.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Planning: Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communication strategies that support the agency's strategic plan, objectives, and initiatives to build awareness of the agency's efforts among various audiences. Utilize a communications calendar in consultation with other senior leadership to creatively and strategically meet communications needs on multiple fronts targeting differentiated audiences through various channels.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the communications team, providing guidance and support in their professional development. Assign projects and oversee workflow to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of communications materials.
Content Creation: Initiate and oversee the creation of high-quality content for multiple platforms, including press releases, newsletters, memos, videography, social media posts, and other digital and print materials. Ensure all content is clear, engaging, and consistent with the agency's messaging.
Media Relations: Oversee team members who foster media relationships, respond to press inquiries, develop press releases, and manage press conferences and media events to effectively communicate the agency's messages and respond to inquiries.
Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, and the public. Proactively organize outreach activities to foster engagement and collaboration.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a similar field, with at least two (2) years in a leadership position, with relevant experience developing, executing, or managing public relations campaigns.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of state agency functions, public policy, and the political process. Familiarity with the current media landscape.
Organizational Ability: Strong ability to manage both time and detail in service of developing and executing multi-layered communications plans.
Initiative: Self-starting individual who proactively finds or creates opportunities to share the agency's message.
Creative: Ability to take the agency's initiatives and communicate them in a new way adapting to changing communications landscape.
Leadership Skills: Ability to inspire and lead a team of communication professionals in a fast-paced environment.
Exceptional Writing and Editing: Strong command of language, with the ability to create compelling narratives and edit content effectively.
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Crisis Management: Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations and develop effective communication strategies during crises.
Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing communication metrics and translating data into actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Additional Comments
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 minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a similar field, with at least two (2) years in a leadership position, with relevant experience developing, executing, or managing public relations campaigns?
- Yes
- No
05
Describe your experience with planning, leading, and executing statewide or national public relations campaigns.
06
Describe your prior management experience.
07
Please share any software proficiency you have (video editing software, graphic design software, etc).
08
Based on information available on the website and through social media accounts, what initiative/focus of the South Carolina Department of Education resonates most with you? Please explain why.
09
How did you hear about this position?
- Careers.sc.gov
- Indeed.com
- Other (Please specify below)
10
If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question