Policy Development and Research Specialist - Columbia

Job Responsibilities

Business is booming in South Carolina! Are you ready to be a part of developing and connecting the next generation of workers in this state? Year after year, experts pick our state as one of the best in the country for doing business. Just last year, South Carolina announced more than 8,000 new jobs and $9.12 billion in capital investment. Entrepreneurs are flocking to cities like Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Rock Hill to start and grow their businesses. And our hospitality industry is primed to take off as travelers from around the world continue to discover the beauty and accessibility of South Carolina's mountains and coast. Here at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), we are laser-focused on connecting every jobseeker who comes through our doors with their next great career opportunity! Are you looking for a meaningful position at an agency brimming with optimism and camaraderie that also offers job security, affordable health insurance, great retirement benefits, and work-life balance? If so, continue reading to discover your chance to make a difference at DEW!

Do you enjoy supporting an organization through policy and procedure development? Our Policy Development and Research Specialist will serve with the Workforce Policy and Technology Department within the Workforce Development Division. This role will provide on-going research and technical writing support for policy and procedure development for programs including Wagner-Peyser, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG), and Workforce Pell. An ideal candidate will take initiative on projects, work effectively with others toward a common goal, analyze and solve problems, and adapt as needs of the department or agency change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing research and technical writing support for policy and procedure development for programs, such as the Wagner-Peyser, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Jobs for Veterans State Grants, and Workforce Pell programs.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to create policies that comply with federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Advocate for innovative policy recommendations that meet the needs of individuals, business leaders, and the local and state staff.
• Facilitate the communication of policy updates through webinars, forums, and trainings to stakeholders, subject matter experts, and the State Workforce Development Board for the continuous improvement
• Update public-facing webpages with current policies, memorandum, and manuals.
• Provide research support in the identification and coordination of grant opportunities for the agency.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree OR a high school diploma and four years relevant experience. Superior analytic, writing, editing, and proofreading skills required. An original writing sample, submitted with application. Use of AI in the writing sample will automatically disqualify the application.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing multiple projects and producing timely work products. Experience analyzing program needs and advising team on possible solutions.

Additional Comments

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.