About the Department

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.

Position Duties

A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.

Minimum 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.

Other Qualifications

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/

Benefits

Benefits for State Employees

The 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 Benefits
Eligible 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 Benefits
State 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 Benefits
State 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.

Supplemental Questions

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

I understand that a criminal record investigation will be conducted prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Education. My personal identifying information will be processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Do you have a bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience?

Do you have at least four (4) years of relevant experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, public administration, education, or a related field?

How did you hear about this position?

Careers.sc.gov
Indeed.com
Social Media/Advertising
LinkedIn
Other (Please specify below)

If you answered “other” in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: State of South Carolina
Agency: Department of Education
Address: 849 Learning Lane

West Columbia, South Carolina, 29172
Phone: 803-734-8505