Program Manager I

ESTF Program 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 (SCDE) seeks a results-oriented leader to manage the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), established under Title 59, Chapter 8 of the South Carolina Code. Reporting to the Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement, the ESTF Program Manager sets annual goals and priorities and translates them into effective processes, systems, and team assignments. The role ensures program compliance, data-informed operations, and accountability for staff and vendors while providing accurate reporting to agency leadership, the General Assembly, and oversight bodies. The ideal candidate brings strategic vision, operational rigor, strong data skills, sound judgement, and clear communication.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Program Operations: Plan, organize, and deliver ESTF operation across the annual cycle, from applications and awards through renewals, provider approval, and assessment reporting. Set goals and timelines, oversee a master calendar of statutory deadlines, and continually improve program delivery.
• Ensure Statutory and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the agency meets every requirement of the ESTF statute and regulations. Track compliance obligations, keep written standard operating procedures current, and proactively resolve risks.
• Oversee Program Data Quality: Ensure all program data are accurate, complete, and reconciled. Set and enforce procedures for matching records by student ID, reconciling against expected rosters, and documenting sources and limitations. Partner with Research and IT on sustainable, automated data processes.
• Deliver Accurate Reporting and Oversight Responses: Prepare required reports to the General Assembly, Education Oversight Committee data submissions, and the annual public report. Coordinate complete, accurate responses to authorized data requests.
• Lead and Develop the Program Team: Assign, direct, and review staff work against clear expectations. Verify quality of completed work, and cross-train to ensure no critical function depends on one person.
• Manage Vendor Performance: Manage vendor relationships and contracts, including the scholarship account platform. Monitor deliverables, service levels, data quality, and security, and hold vendors accountable.
• Communicate Progress and Escalate Early: Keep the Director and agency leadership informed through regular updates on status, risks, and projected completion dates; prepare and present reports on program progress against goals; and escalate issues promptly when deliverables are at risk.
• Engage Families, Schools, and Partners: Oversee responsive, professional handling of inquiries from parents, providers, legislators, and stakeholders. Lead presentations, outreach, and public meetings, and build lasting partnerships.
• Collaborate Across the Agency: Coordinate with Finance, Procurement, General Counsel, Research, IT, Communications, and Government Relations to deliver high-quality operations and reporting.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

This position is located in the Office of Education Choice and Family Engagement.

Minimum and Additional Requirements: A bachelor's degree and relevant program experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and relevant experience in education, management, or public administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing a program or operations with recurring, deadline-driven deliverables and regulatory or compliance requirements.
• Experience supervising or leading staff, including setting expectations, reviewing work, and holding team members accountable.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-organized documents for executive, legislative, and technical audiences.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
• Sound judgement, a professional demeanor, strong customer service skills.

Additional Comments: This position is based at the SCDE facilities in West Columbia, SC.

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.