General Job Description

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 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. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. This position reports to the Director of Public Information and will be assigned to support Horry County Government public information and community outreach efforts across a wide range of departments and subject matter. Specific communications duties related to the Horry County Animal Care Center will apply. Successful candidates should demonstrate interest and knowledge in these fields, and an ability to make technical concepts interesting and easy to understand for a general audience.

Duties for this Position

• Conduct proactive media and community relations through the writing, reviewing and editing of news releases, newsletters, emails, articles, postings, social media, etc.
• Ensure agendas, agenda packets, and meeting notices are posted to the website in a timely manner.
• 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 that include but are not limited to tax season, reassessment, community safety (i.e. Beep Before You Sleep), county grants, etc.
• Process and manage public records requests 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.
• 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.

Position Minimum Requirements

• This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communication, 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. Public speaking, media relations, social media, and graphic design experience are preferred. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This position will be required to maintain knowledge base by attending classes, conferences, courses and seminars related to public relations, crisis communications, social media, etc. Certifications to be completed include Basic PIO (L105) and other courses as deemed appropriate/needed.