Job Responsibilities

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 22 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:

This position supports S.C. Commerce’s Global Business Development Division. The purpose of this position is to drive economic growth for the State of South Carolina by recruiting new businesses and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses that result in new job creation and capital investment.

Job Responsibilities:

Project Management

Serve as S.C. Commerce’s project manager for assigned economic development projects, coordinating activities from initial lead through project completion. Work with prospective companies, site selectors, consultants, local economic development organizations, utilities, and other state agencies and partners to coordinate project activities, address project needs, and advance projects that drive job creation and capital investment in South Carolina. Coordinate the collection, development, and submission of project-related information and materials, including requests for information (RFIs), proposals, presentations, and supporting documentation. Maintain timely and accurate project records and activity tracking within the agency’s customer relationship management (CRM) platform.

Relationship Development

Develop and maintain relationships with individuals and organizations that influence business recruitment and successful economic development projects, including but not limited to site selectors, consultants, service providers, local economic development organizations, utilities, state agencies, and other partners. Leverage these relationships to support project execution, facilitate collaboration, exchange information, and position South Carolina for future investment opportunities.

Business Development & Industry Engagement

Actively participate in conferences, trade shows, industry events, mission trips, meetings, and other business development activities to strengthen industry knowledge, expand professional networks, identify emerging trends, and uncover opportunities that support South Carolina's business recruitment efforts.

Industry & Market Intelligence

Develop and maintain knowledge of the economic development landscape and assigned industry sectors. Monitor industry trends, competitive factors, company needs, workforce considerations, supply chain dynamics, and South Carolina's sector-specific assets. Utilize this knowledge to support project execution, inform recruitment efforts, identify opportunities, and communicate South Carolina's value proposition to prospective companies and industry stakeholders.

Division & Agency Support

Contribute to the achievement of Division and Agency goals through participation in strategic initiatives, cross-functional projects, process improvement efforts, and activities that strengthen the Division's effectiveness and support South Carolina's economic development mission. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a related area and experience in sales, economic development, or marketing. Knowledge of economic development principles, business recruitment practices, and resources available to support business attraction and expansion efforts. Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion when dealing with business prospects and community leaders regarding economic development projects. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, prospective companies, and public and private organizations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of South Carolina's economic development landscape, business community, and organizations that support business recruitment and expansion efforts. Familiarity with South Carolina's economic development programs, incentives, and related resources.

Additional Comments

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.