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State Program Director Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

... Program Coordinators. * Participate in committees and knowledge sharing forums. * Work with other Departments and Directors. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * Must have a current, unencumbered State license ...

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State Program Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$27.3K

$72.3K

$126.7K

How much do state program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for state program director in Columbia, SC is $72,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a state program director?

State Program Directors are responsible for overseeing and managing government-funded programs within a specific state. They ensure that programs comply with federal and state regulations, coordinate with local organizations, and monitor program effectiveness. Their duties often include budgeting, reporting, and supervising staff to achieve program goals. State Program Directors play a critical role in implementing policies and delivering services to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state program director?

To thrive as a State Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, policy analysis skills, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government regulations, budgeting software, and project management tools is often required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure effective oversight, compliance, and successful delivery of state programs impacting communities.

How does a state program director typically collaborate with both state agencies and external stakeholders to ensure program objectives are met?

A State Program Director often acts as a liaison between state agencies, community partners, and external stakeholders such as federal agencies or nonprofit organizations. They facilitate regular meetings, coordinate cross-functional teams, and communicate program goals and progress to ensure alignment and transparency. Building and maintaining these relationships is crucial for securing resources, addressing challenges, and achieving program targets. Effective collaboration also involves adapting strategies based on stakeholder feedback and policy changes.

What is the difference between State Program Director vs State Program Coordinator?

AspectState Program DirectorState Program Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees program strategy, manages staff, and ensures compliance with regulationsAssists in program implementation, coordinates activities, and supports daily operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in public administration or related fieldsBachelor's degree; relevant experience may suffice
Work EnvironmentLeadership role, often in government agencies or large organizationsOperational role, working closely with the program team
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government, non-profits, and large agenciesUsed in similar settings, often as a support role

In summary, the State Program Director holds a higher-level leadership position with strategic responsibilities, while the State Program Coordinator focuses on supporting program activities and daily operations. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and seniority within the organization.

State and Local Government - Director

Columbia, SC • On-site

Guidehouse
Business Management Consulting • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Guidehouse rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Family:
Management Consulting
Travel Required:
Up to 25%
Clearance Required:
None
Guidehouse is seeking a Director to lead the continued growth of the firm's work across state and local government in our South market. This individual will be accountable for driving a sustainable portfolio of existing SLG client engagements and future firm growth.
The State and Local Government (SLG) practice serves clients in the areas of business design, organizational strategy, program strategy and implementation of large programs, market analysis, financial modeling, operational analysis, process improvement, change management, technology strategy and transformation, compliance monitoring, program management and reporting. Within this role, a particular focus will be placed on serving courts, justice agencies and related public sector organizations as they modernize operations, improve service delivery, and implement transformational change.
What You Will Do:
Client Relationship Management and Engagement Delivery:
  • Actively manage a portfolio of client engagements and consulting staff, ensuring all contractual targets and deliverables are met.
  • Strategize with consulting teams on project approach, facilitate communications, and manage risk across active engagements.
  • Drive the quality and standards of work product and ensure superior engagement quality.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with executives across state and local government, with a particular focus on courts, justice agencies, and related public sector organizations at the division, branch, and program levels.
  • Support clients in addressing complex operational, administrative, and modernization challenges across court and justice environments.
  • Develop and instill best practices throughout the organization.
  • Maintain and promote compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.
  • Manage the economics of client engagements, ensuring delivery aligns with approved financial parameters.

New Business Development:
  • Serve as a thought leader in the public domain and assist in building the Guidehouse brand across state and local government clients, particularly in courts and justice modernization
  • Leverage the firm's existing relationships with state and local government agencies and develop new relationships to expand current client engagements and cultivate new clients.
  • Serve as the lead executive for new business opportunities.
  • Serve as a content expert on client issues related to courts, justice, operational improvement, and modernization.
  • Be personally engaged in and accountable for growing the practice at a rate of $5M+ in annual new business for the firm.

Consulting Staff Leadership:
  • Provide direct line management for consultants assigned to client engagements.
  • Support career development, advocacy, recruitment, and retention of members of the market team.
  • Contribute to the development of a positive, performance-oriented culture.

What You Will Need:
  • Must be a US Permanent Resident or US Citizen
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • Minimum of TEN (10+) plus years of total work experience excluding internships, part-time roles, co-ops, fellowships, and academic research
  • Strong relationships with leaders across state and local government, preferably including courts, justice agencies, or other public sector institutions
  • Strong familiarity with judicial branch acquisition processes and business development practices within consulting, including identifying and tracking anticipated RFPs, leading proposals, and cultivating new opportunities with existing clients
  • Demonstrated ability to lead state and local government new business pursuits and proposals with proven results
  • Excellent program and project management skills, with demonstrated experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams across a range of projects
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong business relationships with senior executive clients
  • Well-rounded leadership skills to provide strategic, analytical, and operational direction to teams
  • Ability to travel as needed to support client engagements, firm growth, and other firm initiatives
  • Ability to work in a Guidehouse office and client office as needed

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • Master's degree (MBA, MPP, MPA, or similar)
  • Post graduation work experiences in the public sector industry, research, or management consulting
  • Existing relationships with state and local government agencies in the South market.
  • Experience building a brand presence in the public sector consulting market.

What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Student Loan PayDown
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • Skills Development & Certifications
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
  • Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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