Under administrative direction, the purpose of this position is to disseminate information to the general public, media, outside agencies, and community agencies and organizations and to coordinate community engagement and public education programs on behalf of Horry County.

The employee is responsible for researching, planning, and producing informative materials concerning agency operations, programs, and events, including press releases, social media posts, videos, and printed materials. This position also coordinates events and makes presentations on behalf of the County. In all duties, the employee is expected to maintain county branding and messaging and ensure the quality and accuracy of disseminated information.

This position will take part in managing social media accounts on behalf of Horry County Government, with specific attention to Horry County Police Department accounts, and should have a high level of social media capability. This position may also perform work during emergency and disaster situations. Candidate must have the ability to work and make sound decisions in a high-paced, stressful environment. Performs related work as directed.

This position reports to the Director of Public Information and will be primarily assigned to support Horry County Police Department’s public information and community outreach efforts. The candidate will work closely with the Chief of Police on information needs, including active scene communications, public engagement, and special events.

Conduct proactive media and community relations through the writing, reviewing and editing of news releases, newsletters, emails, articles, postings, social media, etc.
Coordinate and conduct presentations, tours, events, speaking engagements, and media interviews.
Develop, create, and curate graphics and digital materials, including photos, videos, flyers, brochures, newsletters, displays, signs, inserts, ads, charts, maps, and other graphic materials.
Assist in the coordination, development, and execution of communication plans and content calendars for external and internal County campaigns.
Coordinate across County departments, as well as with other local agencies, state and federal partners.
Partner with assigned department heads and other thought leaders to develop strategic communication and outreach goals and ensure those goals are met.
Develop, conduct and participate in public education programs related to County initiatives and projects.
Process and manage public records requests – specifically 14-day incident reports – in coordination with the FOIA Manager, Public Information Specialist, and Director of Public Information.
Provide support to other members of the Horry County Public Information Office.
Respond when called upon to represent the County as needed.
Provide on-scene media support and serve during emergency/disaster situations. Be available 24/7 for emergency incidents and support the County’s Emergency Operations Center and take lead in the County’s Joint Information Center as needed.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with community members, staff, elected officials, and the aforementioned of other government entities and organizations.
Perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required, including evening and weekend work.
Duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Current principles, techniques, objectives, and best practices in public information and government (public sector) communications
Media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation
Professional application of research and writing skills
Public speaking, media relations, social media, and graphic design experience are preferred

Skills and abilities required:

Interpersonal communication skills
Media relations
Strategic communications
Community outreach
Emergency response

Qualifications:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, and mass communications or related field; recent experience in responsible public relations positions. Minimum of three (3) years in professional level work or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Must be able to pass the County-required pre-employment physical and background check.
Must already have or be able to obtain SCEMD/FEMA Basic Public Information Officer (L105) and Advanced Public Information Officer (L0388) certifications.

Horry County, (SC)

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Public Information Officer