Full Job Description
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Community Nutrition Services, the Director of Public Health Nutrition Practices & Healthy Living provides statewide leadership for the agency's public health nutrition priorities. The position ensures alignment with state and federal practice guidance, advances Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) strategies, and oversees high-quality, evidence-based nutrition practice across programs and partnerships. The Director may represent the Bureau Director in meetings, committees, and collaborative efforts to strengthen nutrition programming statewide.
* Responsible for providing strategic leadership for policy, systems, and environmental change initiatives that advance nutrition, active living, and school health across all federally, state, and privately funded programs. Oversees key obesity-prevention initiatives including Healthy Palmetto, FitnessGram, Nutrition Practice, and Early Care & Education partnerships with Department of Social Services (DSS) along with associated staff, grants, and contracts to ensure effective implementation and impact.
* Coordinates closely with the State Health Improvement Plan team to guide workgroups focused on improving population health outcomes across South Carolina. Align resources, priorities, and efforts among multisector partners to support cohesive statewide strategies. The director facilitates collaboration, removes barriers, and ensures partners are equipped to contribute effectively to shared goals. They also provide strategic oversight to collective action initiatives, monitor progress, and adjust approaches to strengthen the impact of public health interventions.
* Responsible for ensuring timely and accurate preparation and submission of reports related to obesity prevention, healthy eating, active living, and school health initiatives. Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to stay informed on national, state, and local developments that advance supportive environments for nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention. Provides subject matter expertise and relevant data to internal and external stakeholders to guide evidence-based decision-making and program improvement.
* Reviews and monitors section budget. Coordinates grant activities with bureau director and budget manager liaison to ensure cost are reasonable and allowable within funding requirements.
* Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned, including required travel if requested, and responds as directed during emergencies which may occur outside normal work hours, and travel if requested.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
State Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree and relevant program management experience.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Agency Additional Requirements: Five (5) years of policy systems and environmental change experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the SCDPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Health Education Specialist.
Additional Comments
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for Full Time Employees (FTE) positions that includes:
• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click for additional information.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices *
• State Retirement Plan
• State Optional Retirement Program
*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all Full Time Employees (FTE); please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.
Benefits for State Employees
The 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 Benefits
Eligible 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 Benefits
State 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 Benefits
State 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.
