Deputy Chief of Staff

Salary: $156,000.00 - $210,500.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189917
Agency: Department of Transportation-Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH57
Position Number:: 61031821
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN14
Hiring Range - Min.: $156,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $210,500.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Apply online and fully complete all sections of the application. A resume may be provided but will not substitute for completing any section of the application. Accurately respond to all Supplemental Questions since they are part of your official application and are used to initially screen applicants. If the selected candidate indicates attainment of a college degree(s), he/she may be required to provide an official college transcript within thirty (30) calendar days of employment. Failure to provide documentation within the required time frame may result in termination of employment. SCDOT Human Resources Office, Room 115, 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities


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.
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 a current SCDOT employee? Your work experience with SCDOT should be reflected on the application in the work history section. Failure to accurately reflect work history may result in non-selection.

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a former SCDOT employee? Your work experience with SCDOT should be reflected on the application in the work history section. Failure to accurately reflect work history may result in non-selection.

• Yes
• No

03


Please indicate the highest level of education you have attained. If you have not completed high school, please indicate the highest grade you completed.
04


What class driver's license do you possess?

• Class A (CDL)
• Class B (CDL)
• SC Class C
• SC Class D
• Other State Driver's License
• None

05


How did you find out about this vacancy at the South Carolina Department of Transportation? Please check all that apply.

• Job/Career Fair
• Referred by current SCDOT employee
• SCDOT presentation
• Sign or billboard
• Bumper sticker/magnetic sign
• Facebook or Twitter post
• Internship
• Newspaper Ad
• Radio Ad
• Television Ad
• Trade Journal
• Referred from Vocational Rehab
• Referred from Department of Employment and Workforce
• Jobs.SC.Gov webpage
• Other

06


If you selected "other" please explain how you found out about the vacancy at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
07


If you were referred by a current SCDOT employee, what is their name?
08


I understand that I must complete the state application to include current and previous work history and education. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application.Only information contained within this application will be used to determine my qualifications for this position or for any other employment consideration should I be the selected candidate. I have read and acknowledged this statement.

• Yes
• No

09


My failure to accurately and completely describe my work experience may prevent my application from being forwarded to the hiring manager. I understand and acknowledge this statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question