Project Manager I

Project Manager

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:

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking a talented Project Manager to join its strategic project management team and contribute to the Agency's transformation and modernization initiatives. In this role, you will support the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic projects that enhance organizational effectiveness and advance the Agency's modernization objectives. Working within cross-functional teams, you will gain valuable experience in managing project components, supporting stakeholder coordination, and assisting with the delivery of initiatives that span multiple departments and drive organizational change. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your project management skills while directly supporting the Agency's strategic vision and modernization efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Support Strategic Project Planning: Assist in the development and documentation of project plans for strategic initiatives, including needs analysis, business cases, and feasibility studies that support the Agency's modernization efforts.
• Contribute to Cross-Functional Initiative Management: Support the coordination of large, cross-functional projects by facilitating communication between teams, tracking deliverables, and ensuring alignment with project objectives and Agency strategic priorities.
• Manage Project Lifecycle Components: Assist with the initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout phases of project lifecycles for assigned project components. Gain exposure to full project lifecycle management under mentorship.
• Define and Prioritize Project Requirements: Work with stakeholders to document, organize, and prioritize project requirements while supporting efforts to align them with Agency strategic objectives.
• Support Budget and Schedule Management: Develop and maintain work plans, assist with budget control, and monitor scope and schedules to support timely project milestone achievement and deliverable completion.
• Facilitate Project Communications: Support the development and execution of communication plans that keep organizational leaders, stakeholders, and teams informed about project status, impacts, and progress on strategic modernization efforts.
• Assist with Risk and Quality Management: Support the identification of project risks and quality issues and assist in recommending and implementing risk mitigation and quality management strategies to ensure compliance and project success.
• Document and Report Project Status: Prepare project documentation and assist in creating status reports and performance metrics that enable data-driven decision-making and support strategic project oversight.
• Develop Project Management Expertise: Engage in professional development through self-study, industry resources, and participation in training to build competency in project management methodologies and best practices for strategic project delivery.
• Contribute to Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to refine project delivery methodologies and share insights to help improve processes and contribute to organizational agility.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

A bachelor's degree and relevant project management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management, Information Systems, or equivalent).
• 2-3 years of experience in project management, project coordination, or related business roles with exposure to planning and execution of organizational initiatives.
• Proficiency in project management concepts, tools, and methodologies; experience with planning, organizing, and supporting project management activities.
• Knowledge of or experience supporting strategic initiatives, enterprise-wide projects, or cross-functional team efforts that drive organizational transformation or modernization.
• Familiarity with technology projects, digital initiatives, or modernization efforts in a professional environment (internships, prior roles, or project experience count).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to articulate project information to diverse audiences and collaborate across organizational units.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments, support collaborative initiatives, and foster positive working relationships.
• Growth mindset with willingness to learn project management methodologies, develop technical skills, and contribute to increasingly complex strategic initiatives.

Additional Comments:

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.