Public Information & Crisis Communications Lead

BERKELEY COUNTY GOVERNMENT; Moncks Corner (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office seeks a Public Information Officer to act as the official spokesperson and manage all public communications, media relations, and community information initiatives. The role ensures timely, accurate, and transparent dissemination of information while protecting investigative integrity and community safety.

The candidate will coordinate press conferences, prepare releases, oversee social media, and support recruitment and internal communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as listed in the qualifications section or equivalent experience.
• Experience in public information, communications, journalism, or media relations.
• Must have and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries involving the Sheriff’s Office.
• Prepare, review, and disseminate press releases, advisories, and public statements.
• Coordinate press conferences, interviews, and media briefings.
• Ensure messaging aligns with agency policy, legal standards, and public safety priorities.
• Conduct pre-employment and background screening for new hires.
• Coordinate polygraph testing for pre-employment.

Skills

Written & verbal comms

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public records & FOIA

Social media management

Legal & ethical judgment

On-call readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Criminal Justice, or related field

Tools

Content management systems

Job description

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office seeks a Public Information Officer to act as the official spokesperson and manage all public communications, media relations, and community information initiatives. The role ensures timely, accurate, and transparent dissemination of information while protecting investigative integrity and community safety.

The candidate will coordinate press conferences, prepare releases, oversee social media, and support recruitment and internal communications.