Communications and Outreach Coordinator - SC Department of Insurance : Job Details

Salary: $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : Richland County, SCJob Type: FTE - Full-TimeJob Number: 171953Agency: Department of InsuranceOpening Date: 12/16/2024Closing Date: 12/31/2024 11:59 PM EasternResidency Requirement: YesClass Code:: BC34Position Number:: 60025843Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)Pay Band: Band 5Hiring Range - Min.: $55,000.00Hiring Range - Max.: $62,000.00Opening Date: 12/16/2024EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity EmployerAgency Specific Application Procedures:: A RESUME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED NOR REVIEWED TO DETERMINE IF AN APPLICANT HAS MET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION. If you meet the requirements of the position and would like to be considered, you must submit a state application online. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. The quality of the application presented (completeness and accuracy as well as grammar and spelling) will be considered prior to the offer of an interview. An offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 on the state closing date.Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.Job ResponsibilitiesMission Statement:The mission of the State of South Carolina Department of Insurance is to protect the insurance consumers, the public interest, and the insurance marketplace by ensuring the solvency of insurers; by enforcing and implementing the insurance laws of the State; and by regulating the insurance industry in an efficient, courteous, responsive, fair, and equitable manner. For more information about working at the SC Department of Insurance, please visit This position is located in the Office of Consumer and External Affairs.Job Purpose:Serves as Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Department. Responsible for the identification, coordination and implementation of communication strategies to support the mission of the Department. Plans, develops and deploys strategies to facilitate effective, timely and impactful information and educational communications enabling the Department to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including consumers, using appropriate traditional and visual/digital communications platforms.Job Functions:1. Identifies and implements communication strategies to support the mission of the Department by: a. distributing daily news briefings b. responding to media inquiries, scheduling interviews and speaking engagements, and coordinating unscheduled media interviews c. producing videos for DOI social platforms, website, etc. d. creating ad hoc posts to social accounts, leveraging information shared from internal partners, the NAIC and other sources e. reviewing/refreshing website content f. summarizing proposed legislation and issues with talking points or fact sheets g. actively networking with media and strategically selected media outlets/partner organizations h. writing and editing news releases, articles, feature stories, speeches and other promotional materials for release to the media and public.2. Coordinates, promotes and oversees agency outreach, public relations and public information activities and programs in accordance with Department goals.3. Coordinates with the Department's Digital Media Designer and business units to create & edit content for printed materials. Collects and assembles information on agency activities through interviews or research; writes and prepares content for publications such as pamphlets and brochures. Maintains contacts with newspapers, radio, television stations and other media outlets to disseminate informational material that promotes agency programs, activities and accomplishments. 4. Provides input to executive staff regarding news and public information activities, recognizing the importance of digital resources to effectively communicate with the public. Work with staff to expand DOI's digital communication efforts as they relate to website, social media outlets and consumer outreach.5. Assists in the development and completion of or, alternatively, is responsible for ad hoc projects or reports as deemed necessary. The employee, further, performs other related duties as required.Minimum and Additional Requirements Bachelor's Degree or higher in related field, preferably Mass Communications/Journalism, or English with minimum of two years related experience.Must have the following knowledge and abilities : 1. Basic journalistic principles and practices for information dissemination 2. Social media platforms and how to use those platforms to disseminate information. 3. How to establish and maintain relationships with local, state and national media. 4. Ability to write, edit and produce publications and presentations for various formats and mediums. 5. Ability to effectively communicate orally and through the written word. 6. Ability and willingness to learn and understand insurance regulation. 7. Ability to understand and maintain agency brands and the accurate deployment of those brands in various outputs.Must be able to perform job functions with limited supervision. Must be able to exercise discretion to accomplish stated tasks, goals and objectives. Ability to work independently, prioritize work and keep daily activities current. Must also have the ability to work in a team and interface with multiple divisions within the Department toward common goals. Must have the ability to quickly adjust in an environment that changes pace. Preferred Qualifications Experience in insurance and/or government communications is preferred. Additional CommentsOccasional overnight travel required. A writing sample will be required for all applicants during the interview process.Educational Credentials: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to submit a sealed, certified copy of the transcript(s) prior to beginning employment. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript will result in any conditional offer of employment being rescinded. Equal Opportunity Employer:It is the policy of the South Carolina Department of Insurance to provide equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including, but not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), disability or age.Veteran Preference Statement:South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.The Department of Insurance offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 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 (pension plan option) and Deferred Compensation Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free counseling sessions for employees and household members
  • Free legal counseling
  • Free financial counseling
• Flexible Work Schedules
  • Compressed work weeks
  • Part-time telecommuting
  • Flex-time
• Free Gym Access
• Growth Opportunities
  • Certifications/designation program allowing for salary increases and bonuses
• Infants at Work Program
  • Employees eligible to bring their newborn/infant to the workplace
• Free Parking

Disaster Response:This position is considered essential in the event of an emergency or major disaster. Incumbent is required to participate in emergency or major disaster response activities as outlined in the DOI Disaster Response Plan. During such times, the incumbent should regard himself/herself as being on 24-hour call and subject to duty when such an event occurs or is anticipated to occur.Benefits for State EmployeesThe state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance BenefitsEligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.