Legislative Liaison (Program Manager III) - 60027628

Job Responsibilities

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:

Serve as the Department’s day-to-day legislative support, executing the Director of Policy & Government Affairs’ government-relations strategy, maintaining strong General Assembly relationships, coordinating legislative analysis and response, and ensuring the Department is prepared, accurate, and responsive throughout the legislative process.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor legislation, provisos, resolutions, hearings, and other General Assembly activity affecting public education; maintain a reliable system for tracking status, deadlines, positions, and required action.
• Analyze proposed legislation and coordinate timely agency responses, briefing materials, summaries, and recommendations for the Director and executive leadership.
• Work directly with legislators and legislative staff, as directed by the Director or State Superintendent, to provide accurate information about SCDE programs, policies, priorities, and implementation considerations.
• Coordinate agency preparation for committee hearings and public bodies, including testimony, talking points, technical witnesses, background materials, and follow-up.
• Represent the State Superintendent and SCDE before legislative committees, boards, and other public bodies when assigned.
• Collect, synthesize, and prioritize technical input from SCDE divisions and school-system partners for legislative analysis and response.
• Coordinate with General Counsel on legal questions and statutory interpretation; translate legal conclusions into clear legislative and policy implications without supplanting counsel’s legal role.
• Coordinate with Finance/Operations on fiscal impacts, budget priorities, provisos, and appropriations matters; support legislative presentation and follow-up while Finance/Operations retains ownership of formal fiscal analysis and budget submissions.
• Coordinate with Communications on legislative messaging and with program offices on technical accuracy and implementation implications.
• Ensure required statutory reports, legislative requests, and Administrative Procedures Act-related legislative documentation assigned to the Office are routed, tracked, and completed on time.
• Maintain a high standard of responsiveness, professionalism, discretion, and factual accuracy in all external engagements.

This position is located in the Office of Governmental Affairs.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• At least four (4) years of relevant experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, public administration, education, or a related field; substantial direct experience with the South Carolina legislative process strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, synthesize complex information, prepare concise written materials, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships with government officials, agency executives, and stakeholders.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment and discretion, and maintain individual accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Limited overnight travel may be required.

Additional Comments

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package 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 and Deferred Compensation Programs.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/