PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Salary: $49,720.00 - $63,393.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600038
Department: LEGAL
Opening Date: 02/06/2026
Closing Date: 3/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 111

Description

This position plans and coordinates a program to keep the public informed of the assigned department programs, issues, incidents and accomplishments; manages the media relations duties within the department, and performs related professional and administrative duties as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered sedentary in nature and involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, and sustained keyboard operations.

Work environment involves exposure to no known hazards; and is relatively safe, secure, and stable.
Essential Job Functions

• Provides required Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) support services;
• Interacts with staff at various levels to develop priorities for FOIA requests to meet suspense deadlines;
• Processes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by retrieving and redacting electronic records;
• Serves as the focal point of contact for all FOIA requests and actions within the organization;
• Manages, tracks and completes all FOIA actions;
• Maintains a FOIA request tracking system;
• Enters requests, responsive records and supporting documents into the FOIA tracking system;
• Prepares and submits required FOIA reports;
• Performs basic administrative FOIA functions such as document searches, scanning and redacting;
• Conducts searches and reviews related to FOIA requests and documents results on required forms;
• Maintains a log to track requests for responsive records; completes actions within the designated timeframes and deadlines;
• Researches problems and reviews issues related to FOIA requests, clarifies issues and evaluates the need for additional information;
• Coordinates FOIA training as required; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, public administration, or a closely related field;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculating ratios, rates and percent;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, word processing and database software programs;
• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem solving;
• Ability to read journals, manuals, and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports, scripts, articles, press releases, brochures, and other publication materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Ability to professional level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical, or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some high school, did not graduate
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

03

What is your major / area of study?
04

How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Over 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• Over 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Over 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• Over 5 years of experience

05

Do you have previous experience managing, tracking, and completing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests?

• Yes
• No

Required Question