Strategic Coordinator for Transportation Initiatives (Program Manager II) - 61164943

Job Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Director of Transportation and in support of the Director’s strategic vision, policy decisions, and priorities for the Office, the Strategic Coordinator of Transportation Initiatives is responsible for the following:

• Cook up and execute the Office's innovation and transformation initiatives on behalf of the Director of Transportation;
• serve as the primary point of contact for cost-cutting initiatives;
• support the coordination of scope, timelines, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, risks, options, and decisions for the Director’s review;
• Coordinate the Strategic Compensation Project: Coordinate implementation of the Strategic Compensation Project, including career ladders, workforce planning, performance evaluation programs, classification and pay structure proposals, and retention strategies for mechanics and technical staff; develop recommendations, coordinate with Human Resources and support the Director in advancing proposals for review and approval.
• Support the advancement of operational excellence, cross-cutting innovation, and continuous improvement across the Office of Transportation.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
• Eight (8) or more years leading strategy, transformation, or large-scale change initiatives in public sector, transportation, or comparable environments, with at least four (4) years in a senior, program, initiative, or strategy leadership role.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder transformation programs and translating consultant or external review findings into implementation of roadmaps and measurable outcomes.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with operating and capital budgets, total cost of ownership analysis, procurement, and vendor management.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands across a geographically distributed operation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including district transportation directors, mechanics, vendors, agency leadership, and legislative stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions under operational pressure.
• Commitment to safety, equity, accountability, and continuous improvement, and to building and maintaining a cooperative, high-performing work environment.
• Familiarity with South Carolina pupil transportation statutes and regulations (Title 59, Chapter 67; Title 56, Chapter 5; Regulation 43-80) or comparable state frameworks.
• Experience implementing telematics, fleet management software, predictive maintenance, or alternative fuel and electric vehicle programs at scale.
• Experience designing or implementing strategic compensation, workforce planning, career ladder, or performance management systems.
• Project or program management credentials (e.g., PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.

Additional Comments

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.