Strategic Project Manager (Project Manager II) - 60025274 & 60023939

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 an accomplished Strategic Project Manager to lead and coordinate the Agency's most critical strategic initiatives, large-scale cross-functional modernization efforts, and enterprise-wide transformation programs. This role is essential in advancing the Agency's strategic vision through effective project leadership, stakeholder alignment, and successful delivery of complex, interconnected initiatives that modernize operations, enhance service delivery, and drive organizational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking capabilities, extensive experience managing large cross-functional initiatives across multiple departments, deep expertise in technology modernization and organizational transformation, and demonstrated ability to navigate complexity while maintaining alignment with the Agency's long-term strategic objectives. Responsibilities:

• Lead Strategic Initiative Development: Champion the development and execution of strategic project portfolios that align with Agency-wide modernization goals, enterprise transformation objectives, and long-term strategic priorities.
• Coordinate Large Cross-Functional Initiatives: Serve as the primary coordinator for major cross-department projects, ensuring seamless collaboration, clear communication, and unified execution across organizational silos to deliver transformational outcomes.
• Establish Strategic Project Planning Standards: Lead the development of comprehensive project plans encompassing scope, risk, quality, cost, change management, communications, procurement, work breakdown structures, and scheduling to drive organizational modernization and success.
• Engage Strategic Stakeholders at All Levels: Work proactively with executive sponsors, department heads, and cross-functional teams to define ambitious strategic goals, establish clear priorities that align with the Agency's vision, and maintain alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Drive Strategic Change Management: Lead transformational change initiatives across the Agency, managing organizational transitions that enhance effectiveness, drive innovation, modernize processes, and position the Agency for sustained success.
• Implement Strategic Communication Frameworks: Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that facilitate effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders across all organizational levels, fostering transparency, collaboration, and buy-in.
• Manage Strategic Risk and Complexity: Lead proactive risk management and mitigation strategies with a balanced approach that prioritizes strategic outcomes, ensures project resilience, and anticipates challenges in large-scale modernization efforts.
• Ensure Strategic Accountability: Oversee critical project documentation, performance reporting, and progress tracking throughout initiative lifecycles, ensuring transparency, data-driven decision-making, and proactive strategy adjustments.
• Advance Project Management Excellence: Continuously enhance project management capabilities and modernization expertise by staying current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to complex organizational change.
• Drive Continuous Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine delivery methodologies, optimize cross-functional collaboration processes, and contribute to the Agency's agility and ability to adapt to evolving strategic priorities.

This position is located in the Office of Implementation and Support. A bachelor's degree and experience managing large projects of moderate complexity and risk.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management, Information Systems, or equivalent).
• Three plus (3+) years of progressive experience in strategic project management with demonstrated expertise in technology modernization and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Proven expertise in leading large, complex, cross-functional initiatives that span multiple departments and organizational units within enterprise environments.
• Deep proficiency in strategic planning, scope definition, requirements gathering, and managing the execution of concurrent projects in alignment with organizational strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated experience with technology modernization, enterprise system implementations, data analytics, or similar strategic initiatives that drive organizational transformation.
• Expertise in change management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organizations through complex transitions that enhance effectiveness and drive innovation.
• Strong capability in strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to align project delivery with enterprise strategic priorities and long-term organizational goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to build consensus, inspire cross-functional teams, and cultivate collaborative relationships across all organizational levels.
• Experience delivering comprehensive project performance reporting, strategic analysis, and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.

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. http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/