An Operations Manager manages operations for a specific area within a company or organization. Supervises staff, oversees quality control, process improvement, and budget management for daily work activities. Has significant authority within their area of responsibility such as hiring, training, and managing staff.
The Program Manager - Operations is a leadership role responsible for managing projects, people, and processes that support effective election administration. Reporting to the Deputy Director/Chief of Staff, the position turns organizational priorities into coordinated work plans, manages implementation across functional areas, supervises the Project Officer, improves systems and workflows, and supports vendor, technology, and operational governance. The role works across the organization as needs arise and provides hands-on leadership to keep critical initiatives moving under tight statutory and operational timelines.
HIRING SALARY
$76.315 to $99.964 (Estimated Annual Salary)
OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Program & Operations Management Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple operational programs and cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation and closeout. Establish timelines, milestones, owners, dependencies, and performance measures; track progress and address barriers to successful execution. Provide hands-on operational support across the department when priorities, staffing, or election conditions require additional leadership capacity. People & Project Leadership Supervise the Project Officer, including work assignment, priority setting, coaching, performance feedback, and accountability for deliverables. Lead or coordinate cross-functional project teams and facilitate collaboration among operational units, county departments, vendors, and external partners. Ensure project work is appropriately documented, communicated, and aligned with departmental priorities. Systems, Technology & Process Improvement Evaluate workflows, systems, and technology use to identify gaps, duplication, inefficiencies, implementation needs, and opportunities for improved performance or cost savings. Coordinate implementation of new or revised systems, processes, and tools in collaboration with internal staff, county IT, state partners, and vendors. Develop or improve practical procedures, tracking tools, dashboards, and documentation that support consistent execution and organizational visibility. Governance, Vendors & Performance Analytics Support governance of key vendors and platforms by tracking deliverables, open issues, performance concerns, implementation requirements, and follow-up actions. Capture and analyze operational data, including technical, staffing, and polling-place issues, and translate findings into actionable reports or recommendations. Coordinate issue reporting and resolution with vendors, the South Carolina State Election Commission, county partners, and other stakeholders as appropriate. Leadership Support Support the Deputy Director/Chief of Staff and Director with strategic initiatives, operational priorities, after-action items, special projects, and organizational improvement efforts. Prepare concise updates, metrics, recommendations, and implementation plans for leadership review. Perform other related leadership and operational duties necessary to support successful elections and department operations. Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Operations Management, Information Technology, Political Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. Progressively responsible experience in operations, program/project management, election administration, technology implementation, public-sector administration, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects across functional areas, improve processes, and work effectively with vendors and stakeholders. Supervisory or team-lead experience and the ability to provide clear direction, accountability, and performance feedback. Strong organizational, analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work extended or irregular hours during election cycles and other critical operational periods. Preferred Qualifications Direct election administration or other high-stakes public-sector operational experience. Experience with election technology, enterprise systems, vendor management, implementation projects, dashboards, or operational analytics. Experience supporting organizational change, process improvement, or large-scale temporary/seasonal operations.
