Assistant Public Information Officer

Job Summary and Essential Functions

This position typically supports the County's Public Information Officer with developing, coordinating, and managing communication strategies, including internal and external messaging, media inquiries, and digital content creation; understands and supports government policies and services; responds timely and accurately to requests for information; and supports our goals and objectives to enhance positive relationships with employees, local government, and the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as backup to the Public Information Officer in their absence.
• Drafts news releases, media advisories, and official statements.
• Assists in organizing and photographing County events.
• Attends and supports County events as necessary.
• Creates informational graphics, flyers, and other digital media for dissemination.
• Manages and monitors all Berkeley County social media accounts – writing posts, scheduling content, and tracking engagement.
• Develop internal communication publications, content, and resources such as the County's monthly employee newsletter.
• Works with other County departments to receive and respond to public/media inquiries.
• Edits materials created by other County staff, including news releases, brochures, and other public-facing content.
• Coordinates with Berkeley County Emergency Management to communicate with the public and media during critical incidents.
• Represents the department and County at public appearances, as needed.
• Owns, manages and enforces County-wide branding strategy and standards.
• Supports the PIO in management of all public-facing messaging for the County whether through news media, web content, public events, interviews or other forums.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Mass Communications or Marketing;
• Three (3) years of related communications experience.

Special Requirements:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with a safe driving record;
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file;
• This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Experience in web content creation and social media strategy and management
• Media relations experience
• Skilled in graphic design programs/software (i.e. Canva, InDesign, Illustrator, Publisher);
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions

The work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am until 5:00pm with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.

Benefits

Berkeley County offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

• Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Personal Leave
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program