Project Manager

Salary: $58,854.00 - $105,978.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 194180
Agency: Department of Commerce
Division: Global Business Development Division
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AL09
Position Number:: 60023818
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN10
Hiring Range - Min.: $58,854.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $105,978.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to the hiring managers. You may be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted after a contingent offer of employment. Please provide an explanation of any gaps of employment. A resume should be attached with your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is committed to maintaining the state's long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy - one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, while allowing people to live and work where they love.

As one of 22 cabinet agencies, S.C. Commerce is the state's lead economic development agency. Its mission is to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, which it does by supporting new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging industries such as life sciences, headquarters, and advanced energy. To drive the state's advanced energy potential and global impact, S.C. Commerce helped organize the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), designated as one of 31 federal Technology and Innovation Hubs in 2023. A national leader in foreign direct investment, South Carolina extends its international reach with representation in Europe and Asia, ensuring the state remains a top, global business destination from launch to legacy.

Job Purpose:

This position supports S.C. Commerce's Global Business Development Division. The purpose of this position is to drive economic growth for the State of South Carolina by recruiting new businesses and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses that result in new job creation and capital investment.

Job Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Serve as S.C. Commerce's project manager for assigned economic development projects, coordinating activities from initial lead through project completion. Work with prospective companies, site selectors, consultants, local economic development organizations, utilities, and other state agencies and partners to coordinate project activities, address project needs, and advance projects that drive job creation and capital investment in South Carolina.
• Coordinate the collection, development, and submission of project-related information and materials, including requests for information (RFIs), proposals, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain timely and accurate project records and activity tracking within the agency's customer relationship management (CRM) platform.

Relationship Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with individuals and organizations that influence business recruitment and successful economic development projects, including but not limited to site selectors, consultants, service providers, local economic development organizations, utilities, state agencies, and other partners. Leverage these relationships to support project execution, facilitate collaboration, exchange information, and position South Carolina for future investment opportunities.

Business Development & Industry Engagement

• Actively participate in conferences, trade shows, industry events, mission trips, meetings, and other business development activities to strengthen industry knowledge, expand professional networks, identify emerging trends, and uncover opportunities that support South Carolina's business recruitment efforts.

Industry & Market Intelligence

• Develop and maintain knowledge of the economic development landscape and assigned industry sectors. Monitor industry trends, competitive factors, company needs, workforce considerations, supply chain dynamics, and South Carolina's sector-specific assets. Utilize this knowledge to support project execution, inform recruitment efforts, identify opportunities, and communicate South Carolina's value proposition to prospective companies and industry stakeholders.

Division & Agency Support

• Contribute to the achievement of Division and Agency goals through participation in strategic initiatives, cross-functional projects, process improvement efforts, and activities that strengthen the Division's effectiveness and support South Carolina's economic development mission.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor's degree in a related area and experience in sales, economic development, or marketing.

Knowledge of economic development principles, business recruitment practices, and resources available to support business attraction and expansion efforts. Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion when dealing with business prospects and community leaders regarding economic development projects. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, prospective companies, and public and private organizations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of South Carolina's economic development landscape, business community, and organizations that support business recruitment and expansion efforts. Familiarity with South Carolina's economic development programs, incentives, and related resources.

Additional Comments
The South Carolina Department of Commerce offers an exceptional benefit package for full-time and temporary grant positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days of sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Pension and 401K Plans
• Deferred Compensation Programs
• Paid Parental Leave

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.