Public Information Director II (Director of Legislative Affairs) / 61100295TG

Are you the One?  We are looking for a Director of Legislative Affairs, who will report directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer and is responsible for developing and implementing the Agency’s legislative strategy, ensuring compliance with state and federal legislative requirements, and building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, executive management, and other internal and external stakeholders. This role serves as the primary liaison between the agency and legislative bodies, and is responsible for providing analysis and guidance on policy matters that impact the Agency's strategic plan.

• Develops and executes legislative strategies to advance the Agency’s priorities. This includes monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting proposed legislation and state and federal regulatory changes; working with other Agency divisions to understand impacts of proposed legislation; advocating for agency positions through direct engagement with legislators, committees, and stakeholders; and preparing and/or reviewing legislative reports, testimony, and policy briefings to support the agency’s strategic plan and inform executive level decision-making.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, industry representatives, advocacy groups and other applicable internal and external stakeholders. Facilitates SCDHHS participation in legislative hearings, meetings, and public forums and responds to legislative inquiries with data-driven policy recommendations.
• Works with Finance Division to analyze fiscal impacts of proposed legislation on the Agency’s budget and operations. Collaborates with executive leadership to develop budget strategies in response to legislative changes and ensures alignment between legislative initiatives and financial planning.
• Ensures SCDHHS compliance with all relevant state and federal legislative requirements. Assesses the impact of new laws and regulations and provides training and guidance to agency staff on relative legislative matters. Ensures Agency policies are kept up to date and the Agency is in compliance with all state and federal authorities.
• Performs fundamental supervisory and leadership functions in accordance with Department policies and procedures, best practices and Federal and State rules and regulations, especially with regard to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) standards.  Maintains an effective organizational team and motivates diverse staff to accomplish mission critical operations and objectives.
• Leads or supports other projects proactively or as assigned by Agency leadership. Projects may require driving to location outside of regular office location. Continuously engages in process improvement to support Agency, Division, and Bureau-wide strategies, objectives, and initiatives.

• 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.

A bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience in legislative affairs or governmental policies and affairs. 

Additional Requirements:

• Occasional overnight travel
• Requires holder to drive routinely
• Valid driver’s license
• Overtime and/or weekend work with Deputy approval
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Lifting requirements: 20 lbs.
• In-office Role

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law or a related field is preferred. Degree must be from a college or higher education institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education (CHEA).
• Interest and experience in state government policy. 
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to legislative affairs.
• Knowledge of legislative and professional drafting. 
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior-level and executive leadership, internal, and external stakeholders 
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively. 
• Ability to research and present information to leadership in a clear and concise manner. 
• Attention to detail with great organization skills.

Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application for qualification purposes. All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from the Office of Human Resources will be through electronic mail.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000