Program Manager I

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: PM1June2026
Agency: Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Apply on-line at
Class Code:: AH45
Position Number:: PM1June2026
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Monday- Friday 7.5 hours daily
Pay Grade: Unclassified

GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $70,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $75,000.00
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Position Summary

The Student Services Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of student support services to promote student success, well-being, engagement, and retention. This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and evaluating programs and services that address the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and transitional needs of students. The Director works collaboratively with school leadership, instructional staff, counselors, community partners, families, and external agencies to ensure students receive comprehensive support that aligns with the mission of Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Management

• Provide leadership and direction for all student services programs and initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate student support strategies that promote student achievement, attendance, graduation, and postsecondary readiness.
• Establish goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for student services operations.
• Monitor program effectiveness using data and performance metrics and recommend improvements.

Student Support Services

• Oversee counseling, case management, behavioral support, intervention programs, and student assistance services.
• Coordinate services for students experiencing academic, behavioral, social, emotional, or personal challenges.
• Ensure students have access to appropriate support resources and referrals.

Family and Community Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with families, guardians, and community stakeholders.
• Develop partnerships with community agencies, workforce development organizations, social service providers, and higher education institutions.
• Coordinate resources that support student success both during and after enrollment.

Student Advocacy and Compliance

• Advocate for student needs and ensure equitable access to programs and services.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to student services.
• Support implementation of policies concerning student welfare, attendance, discipline, and student rights.
• Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of student records and sensitive information.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise and evaluate student services personnel, including counselors, case managers, social workers, and support staff.
• Provide professional development opportunities and coaching to staff.
• Promote a collaborative and student-centered culture among team members.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
Education

• Bachelor's degree and relevant program experience. Relevant experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in student services, counseling, education administration, or related fields.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing programs.
• Experience working with at-risk youth, alternative education programs, or residential educational settings preferred.

Preferred Qualifications


Experience working with at-risk youth, alternative education programs, or residential educational settings preferred.

Additional Comments
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of student development, behavioral intervention, counseling practices, and educational support services.
• Understanding of applicable education laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and implement effective improvement strategies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform duties in an educational and administrative environment.
• Ability to travel between campus locations and attend meetings or events as needed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and crisis situations when necessary.

Working Conditions

• May require occasional evening or weekend activities.
• Frequent interaction with students, families, staff, community partners, and external agencies.

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.
01


Are you retired from the US Army?

• Yes
• No

02


If answer to Question 1 is yes, please indicate the number of years you served in the US Army.

• Less than 5 years
• 5 to 10 years
• 10 to 20 years
• More than 20 years

03


Did you receive an honorable discharge?

• Yes
• No

04


What is the highest rank you achieved while in the US Army?
05


Are you certified through United States Army Cadet Command (USACC), Junior ROTC Directorate?

• Yes
• No

Required Question