Legislative Liaison (Program Manager III) - 60027628

• Monitor legislation, provisos, resolutions, hearings, and other General Assembly activity affecting public education; maintain a reliable system for tracking status, deadlines, positions, and required action.
• Analyze proposed legislation and coordinate timely agency responses, briefing materials, summaries, and recommendations for the Director and executive leadership.
• Work directly with legislators and legislative staff, as directed by the Director or State Superintendent, to provide accurate information about SCDE programs, policies, priorities, and implementation considerations.
• Coordinate agency preparation for committee hearings and public bodies, including testimony, talking points, technical witnesses, background materials, and follow-up.
• Represent the State Superintendent and SCDE before legislative committees, boards, and other public bodies when assigned.
• Collect, synthesize, and prioritize technical input from SCDE divisions and school-system partners for legislative analysis and response.
• Coordinate with General Counsel on legal questions and statutory interpretation; translate legal conclusions into clear legislative and policy implications without supplanting counsel’s legal role.
• Coordinate with Finance/Operations on fiscal impacts, budget priorities, provisos, and appropriations matters; support legislative presentation and follow-up while Finance/Operations retains ownership of formal fiscal analysis and budget submissions.
• Coordinate with Communications on legislative messaging and with program offices on technical accuracy and implementation implications.
• Ensure required statutory reports, legislative requests, and Administrative Procedures Act-related legislative documentation assigned to the Office are routed, tracked, and completed on time.
• Maintain a high standard of responsiveness, professionalism, discretion, and factual accuracy in all external engagements.

A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
• At least four (4) years of relevant experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, public administration, education, or a related field; substantial direct experience with the South Carolina legislative process strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, synthesize complex information, prepare concise written materials, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships with government officials, agency executives, and stakeholders.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision, exercise sound judgment and discretion, and maintain individual accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Limited overnight travel may be required.

• 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.