Strategic Coordinator for Transportation Initiatives (Program Manager II) - 61164943

Job Responsibilities

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:

Reporting to the Director of Transportation, the Strategic Coordinator for Transportation Initiatives serves as a senior-level strategic and operational resource to the SCDE’s Office of Transportation in the planning, coordination, and execution of the Office’s innovation and transformation initiatives, including the Strategic Compensation Project, the Comprehensive Operational Review, emerging student transportation delivery models, and modernization investments. This role serves as the primary point of contact for helping to shape initiative scope, timelines, and implementation strategies; coordinates cross-functional efforts; and supports the advancement of operational excellence, cross-cutting innovation, and continuous improvement across the Office of Transportation.

Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of the Director of Transportation and in support of the Director’s strategic vision, policy decisions, and priorities for the Office, the Strategic Coordinator of Transportation Initiatives is responsible for the following:

• Coordinate Strategic Transportation Initiatives: Support the execution of the Office's innovation and transformation initiatives on behalf of the Director of Transportation; serve as the primary point of contact for cost-cutting initiatives; support the coordination of scope, timelines, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, risks, options, and decisions for the Director’s review.
• Coordinate the Strategic Compensation Project: Coordinate implementation of the Strategic Compensation Project, including career ladders, workforce planning, performance evaluation programs, classification and pay structure proposals, and retention strategies for mechanics and technical staff; develop recommendations, coordinate with Human Resources and support the Director in advancing proposals for review and approval.
• Support Implementation of the Office’s Comprehensive Operational Review Findings: Advance implementation of the Office's Comprehensive Operational Review across the governance, operations, assets, workforce, and cost domains; translate consultant findings and the Director's priorities into workstreams, change management plans, and measurable improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate Emerging Delivery Models Work: Coordinate the design analysis and pilot implementation of emerging student transportation delivery models for charter schools, rural districts, school choice programs, and other specialized populations; coordinate with school district transportation directors, charter school authorizers, and external partners and present options and recommendations to the Director for policy and operational decisions.
• Advance Modernization and Innovation Initiatives: Facilitate the development and implementation planning for the Office's modernization agenda, including telematics, fleet management software, predictive maintenance, AI-enabled diagnostics, alternative fuel and EPA Clean School Bus readiness, electric vehicle infrastructure, and capital reinvestment; develop business cases, and recommendations for the Director's approval.
• Provide Analytics, Benchmarking, and Decision Support: Develop analytical frameworks, benchmarking against peer statewide systems and NCST and NASDPTS guidelines, total cost of ownership analyses, and other decision-support materials to inform the Director's decisions and the Office's long-term planning.
• Convene Project Teams and Cross-Functional Workgroups: Convene cross-functional workgroups within the Office, across SCDE divisions, and with state agencies such as the SC Department of Administration and the SC Department of Employment and Workforce.
• Foster a Culture of Improvement and Accountability: In support of the Director's vision for the Office, foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making, continuous improvement, equity, and accountability across all transformation initiatives.

This position is located in the Office of Transportation.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, transportation, engineering, or related field; or equivalent education and experience.
• Eight (8) or more years leading strategy, transformation, or large-scale change initiatives in public sector, transportation, or comparable environments, with at least four (4) years in a senior, program, initiative, or strategy leadership role.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder transformation programs and translating consultant or external review findings into implementation of roadmaps and measurable outcomes.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with operating and capital budgets, total cost of ownership analysis, procurement, and vendor management.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands across a geographically distributed operation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including district transportation directors, mechanics, vendors, agency leadership, and legislative stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make timely, evidence-based decisions under operational pressure.
• Commitment to safety, equity, accountability, and continuous improvement, and to building and maintaining a cooperative, high-performing work environment.
• Familiarity with South Carolina pupil transportation statutes and regulations (Title 59, Chapter 67; Title 56, Chapter 5; Regulation 43-80) or comparable state frameworks.
• Experience implementing telematics, fleet management software, predictive maintenance, or alternative fuel and electric vehicle programs at scale.
• Experience designing or implementing strategic compensation, workforce planning, career ladder, or performance management systems.
• Project or program management credentials (e.g., PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.

Additional Comments

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/