Salary: $81,192.00 - $113,730.00 Annually
Location : Charleston County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 2711
Agency: Trident Technical College
Opening Date: 10/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Residency Requirement: Yes
Class Code:: AH50
Position Number::Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Pay Grade: GEN12
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: This position is on-site and follows Trident Technical College's compressed work schedule of Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Vice President of Economic Development, the Executive Director of Business Relations serves as the lead strategist and relationship manager for the division's engagement with business, industry, workforce development organizations, and community partners. This position cultivates and expands partnerships that support apprenticeships, internships, customized training, workforce development initiatives, and other innovative education and training solutions. The Executive Director provides leadership for business development, external relations, grant-supported initiatives, partnership expansion, and departmental operations while collaborating with college leadership, faculty, staff, employers, and governmental agencies to strengthen the college's role as a workforce and economic development leader throughout the region and state.
Key Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Department of Business Relations, including establishing goals, evaluating performance metrics, identifying emerging trends, and developing initiatives that enhance the college's visibility and impact within the business community.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop departmental staff while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and excellence in customer engagement and external partnership management.
- Develop, cultivate, and maintain relationships with business and industry leaders, chambers of commerce, trade associations, workforce development organizations, community partners, and other key stakeholders throughout the region, state, and nation.
- Lead efforts to expand apprenticeship, internship, contract training, customized workforce training, and other strategic partnerships that support employer needs and workforce development goals.
- Assess program effectiveness through data analysis, return-on-investment evaluations, market assessments, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative departments across the college to strengthen engagement with external partners and align workforce training initiatives with industry needs.
- Serve as the college's primary liaison with workforce and economic development partners, including Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, retrainSC, and other state and regional organizations that support workforce advancement.
- Support grant development, implementation, management, and partnership activities associated with workforce development and economic development initiatives.
- Represent the college through participation in professional organizations, conferences, workgroups, economic development initiatives, and community engagement activities at the local, state, and national levels.
- Assist divisional leadership with advocacy efforts involving business leaders, workforce partners, and elected officials while managing departmental budgets and ensuring compliance with college and state policies and procedures.
Minimum and Additional Requirements This position requires a bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
Preferred QualificationsPreference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in workforce development, economic development, business engagement, higher education, corporate training, or community relations.
- Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with business and industry leaders, workforce agencies, governmental organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Experience leading apprenticeship, internship, customized training, or employer partnership programs.
- Experience with grant solicitation, implementation, management, and reporting.
- Experience conducting program assessments, market analyses, performance evaluations, and return-on-investment analysis.
- Experience supervising professional staff and leading organizational change initiatives.
- Knowledge of workforce development programs and resources, including partnerships with organizations such as Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, retrainSC, chambers of commerce, and related entities.
- Strong public speaking, relationship-building, business development, and strategic leadership skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and customer relationship management, reporting, or workforce data systems
Additional CommentsOccasional evening and extended hours may be required during peak operational periods. The position requires travel to all college campuses and other business-related sites, with occasional overnight travel.
Benefits for State EmployeesThe state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance BenefitsEligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement BenefitsState employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace BenefitsState employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
TTC: Please note that applicants must submit transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable) to be considered for this position. International transcripts must be evaluated through the World Education Services (WES).Are graduate transcripts attached for review? Please include transcripts to ensure consideration for adjunct opportunities. Unofficial transcripts may be attached, mailed to (Human Resources, PO Box 118067 Charleston, SC 29423), or faxed to 843.574.6682 to the Human Resources Office.
- Yes
- No
- Current TTC employee/Transcripts are on File
02
TTC: Are you currently employed with Trident Technical College?
- Yes: Full-Time Faculty
- Yes: Full-Time Staff
- Yes: Part-time Adjunct Faculty
- Yes: Part-time Staff
- Yes: Other
- No: Not currently employed with TTC
03
TTC: Applicants must complete the SC State Jobs Employment Application online. Resumes are NOT reviewed for qualifications. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing salary and work history or education and reference sections of the employment application.Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Is your application complete and reflects the minimum qualifications?
04
TTC: Where did you see this position advertised? (Check all that apply)
- TTC Website
- TTC Employee Referral
- State Website
- Post and Courier
- Inside Higher Ed
- Social Media
- Linked In
- Talent Search
- Other
Required Question
