Public Information Specialist

Public Information Specialist

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is the state's consumer protection agency. Established in 1974, SCDCA is charged with protecting consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, mediation, enforcement and education. With an unrivaled complaint processing portal, an award-winning communications staff and a unit dedicated specifically to assisting identity theft and scam victims, SCDCA offers invaluable services to every citizen in SC. An early adopter of social media, SCDCA has a presence on Facebook, Nextdoor, YouTube and more platforms. We're looking for a motivated team member to assist in spearheading the agency's communications and outreach functions. If you're a people person, love a challenge and possess the skills outlined below, this may be the position for you! The Public Information Specialist will help raise awareness about the Department and the services it offers and arm consumers and businesses with knowledge they need to create a thriving marketplace through strategic planning of targeted outreach campaigns and partnerships.

Day-To-Day Activities: Under limited supervision of Communications Director, incumbent will:

• Plan, create and deliver online and in person presentations for consumers and businesses;
• Develop, prepare, edit, coordinate, and disseminate information and/or educational material;
• Create detailed, time bound plans for execution of established short-term and long-term goals and project plans. Analyze past project effectiveness to inform decision-making;
• Maintain and replenish educational and marketing materials;
• Review publications and promotional materials for updates, omissions, mistakes and reordering;
• Fulfill consumer publication requests;
• Write and edit PowerPoint presentations, talking points, various agency newsletters and publications, reports and other communications for release to the general public;
• Answer telephone calls, e-mails and general inquiries in a timely, courteous and complete manner.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to periodically work out of normal business hours on nights and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel. Occasional overnight travel to presentations and/or conferences may also be necessary.
• Compliance and/or educational or other teaching experience.
• Comfortable reaching out to new organizations to develop relationships.
• Should have scrupulous focus on professionalism, including dress, timeliness, responsiveness to stakeholders and willingness to support colleagues on high priority needs.
• Ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and deal courteously with the general public.
• Ability to learn, organize and present written information in a clear, concise and accurate manner to best address target audience.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift boxes and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or education; or a high school diploma and at least three (3) years of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.