JOB Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, while allowing people to live and work where they love. As one of 20 cabinet agencies, S.C. Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency. Its mission is to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, which it does by supporting new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging industries such as life sciences, headquarters and advanced energy. To drive the state’s advanced energy potential and global impact, S.C. Commerce helped organize the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), designated as one of 31 federal Technology and Innovation Hubs in 2023. A national leader in foreign direct investment, South Carolina extends its international reach with representation in Europe and Asia, ensuring the state remains a top, global business destination from launch to legacy. Job Purpose: Direct, develop, and assess the Existing Industry (EI) Program operations and all staff in the implementation of strategic objectives. Implement EI strategic engagement plan, advancing the program throughout the state in conjunction with Commerce’s allied partners. As part of the Business Services Division that helps companies start, grow, and thrive in South Carolina, the Existing Industry (business retention and expansion) Program works with strategic sectors throughout the state to ensure their health, competitiveness, and sustainability.Responsibilities: 1. Manage Existing Industry Program and staff and ensure efficient completion of duties/tasks, providing strategic leadership and continuous improvement of program to include, but not limited to: implementation of program’s strategic engagement plan, development of short- and long-term goals, project management, development of metrics and reporting, and any new initiatives necessary to bolster branding, outreach and awareness of the EI program.2. Effectively monitor the conditions & progress of existing strategic sectors in SC through constant engagement with EI Managers and key stakeholders (local Economic Developers, industry associations, allied partners, etc.), as well as internal teams at the agency. Expand awareness of the EI program by participating in outreach and partner events across the state. 3. Manage the partnership with the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) to include the agency's MOU, budget and grant funding for projects. Ensure that the EI managers and SCMEP's Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) are working in tandem, as per the MOU. 4. Manage subordinate position (s) and ensure that duties and tasks are on track to meet or exceed the job functions to include but not limited to coaching and professional development. Ensure that all cases from the EI program are entered into Customer Relationship Management (CRM) by the EI managers. Carry out small projects and other duties as needed. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience. Ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships with South Carolina's business and industry community. Ability to assess business operations, opportunity and related industry outlook. Experience in private sector business and industry, sales, service or marketing a plus. Excellent communications skills (both written and oral). Ability to organize information, set priorities and manage multiple engagements and complex follow-up activities. Must be proficient in Microsoft applications. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) databases a plus. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Requires a valid driver's license. This position requires some overnight travel as well as limited travel to business locations around the state.The South Carolina Department of Commerce offers an exceptional benefit package for full time and temporary grant positions that include: *Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Children. *15 days annual (vacation) leave per year. *15 days of sick leave per year. *13 paid holidays. *State Retirement Pension and 401K Plans *Deferred Compensation Programs *Paid Parental Leave. *Telecommute options of 1-2 days per week.