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

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

Reporting to the Director of Transportation, the Strategic Coordinator for Transportation Initiatives serves as a senior-level strategic and operational resource to the SCDE’s Office of Transportation in the planning, coordination, and execution of the Office’s innovation and transformation initiatives, including the Strategic Compensation Project, the Comprehensive Operational Review, emerging student transportation delivery models, and modernization investments.

This role serves as the primary point of contact for helping to shape initiative scope, timelines, and implementation strategies; coordinates cross-functional efforts; and supports the advancement of operational excellence, cross-cutting innovation, and continuous improvement across the Office of Transportation.

Responsibilities

• Cook up Strategic Transportation Initiatives: Support the execution of 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.
• Cook up 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.
• Advance Implementation of the Office’s Comprehensive Operational Review Findings: Advance implementation of the Office's Comprehensive Operational Review across the governance, operations, assets, workforce, and cost domains; translate consultant findings and the Director's priorities into workstreams, change management plans, and measurable improvement initiatives.
• Cook up Emerging Delivery Models Work: Coordinate the design analysis and pilot implementation of emerging student transportation delivery models for charter schools, rural districts, school choice programs, and other specialized populations; coordinate with school district transportation directors, charter school authorizers, and external partners and present options and recommendations to the Director for policy and operational decisions.
• Facilitate the development and implementation planning for the Office's modernization agenda, including telematics, fleet management software, predictive maintenance, AI-enabled diagnostics, alternative fuel and EPA Clean School Bus readiness, electric vehicle infrastructure, and capital reinvestment; develop business cases, and recommendations for the Director's approval.
• Develop analytical frameworks, benchmarking against peer statewide systems and NCST and NASDPTS guidelines, total cost of ownership analyses, and other decision-support materials to inform the Director's decisions and the Office's long-term planning.
• Convene Project Teams and Cross-Functional Workgroups: Convene cross-functional workgroups within the Office, across SCDE divisions, and with state agencies such as the SC Department of Administration and the SC Department of Employment and Workforce.
• Foster a Culture of Improvement and Accountability: In support of the Director's vision for the Office, foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, equity, and accountability across all transformation initiatives.

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.

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
• 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.

Supplemental Questions

• I have read and acknowledged 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 eight (8) years of experience leading strategy, transformation, or large-scale change initiatives?
• How did you hear about this position?