Program Manager II - Director of Public Relations (61032533)

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is a state government agency responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure in South Carolina. SCDOT plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for residents and visitors by managing an extensive network of roads, bridges, and related facilities. The agency is committed to upholding high standards of public service, fostering community engagement, and maintaining transparency in its operations. It prioritizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, demonstrating a commitment to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

This leadership position within the Public Engagement division of SCDOT is focused on overseeing a broad range of functions including Events and Special Projects, Public Outreach, Public Involvement, Graphic Design, and agency-wide branding. The role serves as a critical advisor to agency leadership and other departments, guiding the strategic vision, standards, and operational direction for these essential public engagement functions. The position requires close collaboration with several high-level officials, including the Director of Public Engagement, Director of Strategic Communications, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff to ensure cohesive marketing and communication strategies are developed and implemented.

As the leader overseeing Events and Special Projects, this role manages the staff responsible for planning and executing major agency events such as Employee Appreciation Day, Employee Memorial Day, and SCDOT Conferences. The incumbent sets organizational goals and standards related to events, outreach, involvement, graphic design, branding, and marketing campaigns, coordinating personnel and workflow to foster seamless teamwork and collaboration across the agency.

Additionally, this role is charged with building and maintaining key relationships with external organizations and other state agencies to enhance engagement opportunities. An essential facet of the job includes leading the office’s emergency management efforts during inclement weather or departmental emergencies to support critical personnel with meal provisions and accommodations as needed. This demanding position may involve lifting moderately heavy items, working outside regular hours during emergencies, and exposure to various environmental conditions within a laboratory setting.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a bachelor’s degree along with at least five years of relevant program management experience or an approved equivalent. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required. The role demands strong leadership, strategic planning, communication, and interpersonal skills to successfully drive public engagement initiatives that support the mission and goals of SCDOT. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a public agency’s mission in a dynamic and collaborative work environment while helping to shape impactful community engagement and branding efforts.