Responsibilities

• This position is a re-post. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.*
• This is a Temporary Grant Position.*
• The Agency’s mission is to be boldly innovative in improving the health and quality of life for South Carolinians.
• This position is located in the Office of Communications & Public Relations , Richland County.
• This is an in-office role and not a telecommute or remote position.
• Are you the One? We are looking for a Director of Strategic Communications (Director of Communications) who develops and directs strategy-driven comprehensive communications for the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This position is responsible for directing and administering public relations and marketing programs designed to promote the Agency's mission, goals, activities, and projects.
• Plans, develops and directs communication strategies and short and long-range public information campaigns designed to enhance the Agency's branding and promote and explain SCDHHS' goals, activities, and objectives. Manages and furthers the Agency's social media strategy, increasing social media applications such as X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as blog communications. Oversees the enhancement of the Agency's website to maximize communications goals, and stakeholder engagement with members, providers, partners, and the public.
• Oversees creative engagement of Medicaid members, the media, the healthcare community, consumers, and the public, leveraging agency data and state national trends to extend messaging and create local tie-in. Oversees the development, review, and dissemination of all Agency communications and application of appropriate vehicles and tools for specific stakeholder groups.
• Develops and maintains outreach calendar to ensure Agency presence at civic, professional, and consumer-related organizations. Coordinates promotions and educational programs with other agencies and stakeholders, encouraging collaboration and leveraging communications impact.
• Performs fundamental supervisory and leadership functions in accordance with Department policies and procedures, best practices and Federal and State rules and regulations, especially with regard to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) standards. Maintains an effective organizational team and motivates diverse staff to accomplish mission critical operations and objectives.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of public relations and communications experience in an administrative capacity.
• All degrees must be from a college or higher education institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education & Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted with prior State Human Resources approval.
• Preferred: Experience in dealing with politically sensitive information.
• - Valid driver’s license.
• - Occasional overnight travel.
• - Requires holder to drive routinely.
• - Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• - Overtime and/or weekend work with Deputy approval.
• - Lifting requirements: 20 lbs.

Preferred

• Ability to write clear and effective policy, promotional, and public information content.
• Public speaking and presentation skills required.
• Knowledge of journalistic principles and practices and techniques of disseminating information to the public, through traditional methods and social media.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in planning, composing, editing and producing publications.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of budgeting, planning, conducting and supervising large-scale public relations programs.
• Experience in crisis management and crisis messaging.
• Knowledge of Medicaid and SCDHHS programs, policies, procedures, objectives and goals.
• Ability to gather, organize and present oral and written information in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the communication media and general public.
• Knowledge of state government and the legislative process. Ability to work independently and professionally.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.