Deputy Chief of Staff

Deputy Chief Of Staff For Government Relations

The Deputy Chief of Staff for Government Relations serves as an advisor to the Secretary of Transportation, the Chief of Staff, and other agency leadership on the development and implementation of state and federal legislative policy related to SCDOT. In coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and Chief of Staff, develops and implements the agency's legislative and policy agendas to advance transportation in South Carolina.

State Government Relations: Provides guidance and supervision to the Director of State Government Relations. Provides input and guidance on state government relations strategy with the Governor's Office, General Assembly, other state agencies and industry associations. Builds relationships and coalitions to educate and inform on the agency's needs and interests.

Stakeholder Relationships: Builds and maintains relationships with various key constituencies to advance the agency's legislative and policy agenda. Ensures constituent concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Federal Government Relations: Provides guidance and supervision to the Director of Grants and Federal Government Relations. Provides input and guidance on the federal relations strategy with the state's congressional delegation and key federal partners including the US Department of Transportation.

Policy Development and Education: Oversees the development of policy papers, talking points, and legislative briefing materials. Coordinates with the Office of Public Engagement to align messaging and strategy for policy and legislative communications.

Grants and Federal Funds: Oversees federal grant applications and ensures applications are properly submitted. Oversees FEMA disaster reimbursement on behalf of the agency. Oversees federal funding requests, including federal earmarks, and provides regular updates to the Secretary of Transportation. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements: A bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of relevant program management experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. The physical demands for the essential functions of this position include sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods and working on a computer. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during inclement weather and/or other departmental-related emergencies. Must be able to work in a team environment. Requires travel throughout the state and occasionally out of state and overnight travel. Must be able to satisfy daily and overnight travel requirements.

Additional Comments: The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.