(INTERNAL POSTING) Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

(INTERNAL POSTING) Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Salary
$66,400.00

• $92,900.00 Annually
  Location Richland County, SC
  Job Type
  FTE
• Full-Time
  Job Number
  60023975
  Agency
  Department of Commerce
  Opening Date
  06/23/2025
  Closing Date
  6/29/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

AH45

Position Number:

60023975

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday

• Friday (8:30
• 5:00)
  Pay Grade
  GEN11
  Hiring Range
• Min.
  $66,400.00
  Hiring Range
• Max.

$92,900.00
Opening Date
06/23/2025
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to the hiring managers. You may be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted after a contingent offer of employment. Please provide an explanation of any gaps of employment. A resume should be attached with your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.
Veteran Preference Statement
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
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 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:

The S.C. Commerce Division of Business Services’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) team supports the Agency’s mission by working with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop and fund new programs and resources that strengthen South Carolina’s I&E ecosystem. The role drives strategy, alignment, and program execution to advance the Launch to Legacy vision by fostering a dynamic and innovation-focused business environment. While the emphasis is on innovation, the team also provides awareness and resource connectivity for traditional small businesses.

Job Functions:

1.

Team Leadership & Alignment:

Provide leadership, support, and strategic oversight to Business Services I&E team. Ensure regional efforts align w/ Agency priorities and enable innovation-driven activity to flourish. While the primary focus is on supporting the state’s innovation ecosystem, the role also requires awareness of traditional small business dynamics as part of a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship.
2.

Program Oversight & Partner Engagement:

Manage select I&E funded programs and relationships, such as Palmetto Venture Fellowship, APEX, SizeUpSC, and SC Tech. Provide strategic oversight of the Relentless Challenge. Evaluate and assess all program outcomes and impact, including Relentless Challenge, using findings to inform future program design and team strategy. 3.

Cross-Regional Awareness & Alignment:

Build and maintain relationships w/ key stakeholders across SC’s I&E ecosystem to remain informed of emerging needs, trends, and opportunities. Serve as POC for I&E-related activities that span multiple regions, stepping in as needed to ensure alignment and represent the team internally and externally. Contribute to shaping team’s strategic direction in collaboration w/ Deputy Director.
4.

Strategic Intelligence & Program Development:

Monitor statewide and national trends related to innovation and entrepreneurship to inform Agency positioning, identify emerging opportunities, and recommend new or enhanced programs that support the Agency’s goals and direction. 5.

Team Development & Knowledge Building:

Support the Business Services Deputy Director of I&E in developing and implementing team training and internal knowledge sharing to deepen the I&E team’s understanding of S.C.’s I&E ecosystem, assets, and resources, including those associated with traditional small business. Contribute to the development of tools and resources that strengthen team capacity, alignment. and consistency.
6.

I&E Messaging & Communication Support:

Lead efforts to articulate and promote the I&E team’s purpose, programs, and impact across the Agency and statewide. Develop messaging, presentations, and materials that clearly convey the team’s role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, with support from the Business Services Deputy Director of I&E as needed. 7. Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in advisory boards, stakeholder meetings, and special projects supporting I&E priorities.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A bachelor’s degree and relevant program experience. Five or more years of experience assisting with emerging businesses and building innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or economic development initiatives in a leadership role.
Knowledge of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s (Agency) mission, programs, and goals. Knowledge of project management and strategic planning. Ability to plan, organize, execute and evaluate work assignments. Ability to develop and present PowerPoints and prepare reports. Ability to prioritize tasks based on goals and situational demands. Ability to conceptualize needed change and initiate appropriate activities to move from concept to implementation. Ability to build relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. Skilled in absorbing information and communicating effectively.
Have a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
In-state travel required with occasional national and international travel.
Preferred Qualifications
Prefer experience in business or entrepreneurship and managing large projects of moderate complexity and risk.
Management experience with government agency a plus. 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.
• Telecommute options of 1-2 days per week.

Employer
State of South Carolina
Agency
Department of Commerce
Address
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, South Carolina, 29201
Phone
803-737-9887
803-737-0461
THE

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