Strategic Programs Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $79,600.00 - $143,300.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191666
Agency: Department of Public Safety
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH50
Position Number:: 61146981
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $130,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $141,000.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: ****THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY WILL NOT SPONSOR EMPLOYMENT VISAS FOR THIS POSITION. ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE. ALL CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES WILL BE THROUGH ELECTRONIC MAIL.****
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
This is an internal posting for current South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) employees only.
Serving as the Assistant Director for the SCDPS Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP). Provides executive management oversight of various major sections and programs within OHSJP, which includes several large grant programs, special programs, and the Statistical Services and Strategic Planning section. Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide highway safety initiatives and campaigns. Performs other executive-level duties as assigned by the OHSJP Director.
Provides executive management oversight of the Highway Safety, Justice, and School Resource Officer (SRO) grant programs.
Provides executive management oversight of OHSJP's special programs, which includes the Traffic Records section and Law Enforcement Support Services section, as well as the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame.
Provides executive management oversight of the Statistical Services and Strategic Planning section.
Assists in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide highway safety initiatives and campaigns.
Represents the OHSJP Director at executive-level meetings. Serves as OHSJP Director in his absence. Serves as liaison with SCDPS's Office of Executive Affairs for highway safety-related legislative bills and/or others that may impact OHSJP. Performs other executive-level duties as assigned by the OHSJP Director.
Conducts quality performance reviews on subordinates.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
Agency Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in public administration, criminal justice, or a related field, and considerable experience in program management.
• Extensive knowledge of highway/traffic safety programs and collision reduction countermeasures.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Supervisory experience and knowledge of managerial practices required.
• Working knowledge of the procedures involved in administering competitive grant programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state rules and regulations.
• Ability to speak effectively in both public and media-type settings. Must have excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental and other entities.
• Experience in developing technical and/or planning documents.
• Working knowledge of analyzing and interpreting crash data.

Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with traffic record systems preferred.
Additional Comments
Employee works under limited supervision and must be able to manage time and tasks and effectively while balancing multiple priorities. The incumbent in this position is provided general guidelines and basic goals and objectives regarding job performance, all of which are to be carried out in a manner consistent with professional standards.
This position entails a great deal of responsibility for providing executive-level assistance with implementing major programs that are vital to the office and agency. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions, along with your application, will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected. Any misrepresentation or omission may result in your disqualification from employment and/or termination. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of your application, as well as the Supplemental Questions. You are required to include your entire work history, listing all jobs you have held. For former jobs that are most closely related to the position you are applying for, you must provide a fuller, more detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. You may not submit a resume in place of completing the Education, Work History, and Supplemental Questions sections. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree with all of the above.

• Yes
• No

02
I understand that prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), my personal identifying information will be used to conduct a criminal records investigation and a comprehensive driving history review. Furthermore, I understand that if I accept employment with SCDPS, my fingerprints will be collected and submitted to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct a final criminal records investigation on my first day of employment.

• Yes
• No

03
Are you a current SCDPS employee?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have at least a bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have a bachelor's degree in public administration, criminal justice, or a related field, and considerable experience in program management?

• Yes
• No

06
If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe your relevant experience.
07
Do you have extensive knowledge of highway/traffic safety programs and collision reduction countermeasures?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess supervisory experience and knowledge of managerial practices?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have experience in developing technical and/or planning documents?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you have working knowledge of the procedures involved in administering competitive grant programs?

• Yes
• No

11
If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe your relevant experience.
12
Are you willing to travel in-state and out-of-state when necessary?

• Yes
• No

13
If offered this position, are you willing to accept a salary between $130,000 - $141,000?

• Yes
• No

14
How did you find out about this position?

• State Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
• Career Fair
• Social Media
• Friend
• SCDPS Employee
• Other

15
If you answered "SCDPS Employee" please list the employee's full name if possible. If you answered "other" please indicate how you found out about this position. Otherwise, please write N/A.
Required Question