UI Operations Assistant Director - Columbia

Salary: $81,192.00 - $146,166.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191927
Agency: Department of Employment and Workforce
Division: Unemployment Insurance
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please apply online.
Class Code:: AH50
Position Number:: 60036053
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,600.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $102,000.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
About Us
Business is booming in South Carolina! Are you ready to be a part of developing and connecting the next generation of workers in this state? Year after year, experts pick our state as one of the best in the country for doing business. Just last year, South Carolina announced more than 8,000 new jobs and $9.12 billion in capital investment. Entrepreneurs are flocking to cities like Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Rock Hill to start and grow their businesses. And our hospitality industry is primed to take off as travelers from around the world continue to discover the beauty and accessibility of South Carolina's mountains and coast.

Here at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), we are laser-focused on connecting every jobseeker who comes through our doors with their next great career opportunity! Are you looking for a meaningful position at an agency brimming with optimism and camaraderie that also offers job security, affordable health insurance, great retirement benefits, and work-life balance? If so, continue reading to discover your chance to make a difference at DEW!
Job Description

Are you a program leader with experience in data analysis, performance reporting, or business process improvement? Our Unemployment Insurance (UI) Operations Assistant Director will, under general supervision, assist in directing the integration and administration of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program throughout the state, with primary focus on Benefits, Employer Tax Services (ETS), and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) operations. The successful candidate will have oversight of claimant and employer customer service, fact-finding and claims adjudication, and special claims analysis, as well as employer liability determination and employer account management.
Key Responsibilities

The UI Operations Assistant Director will:

• Oversee recruiting, hiring, and, developing of Benefits, ETS Operations, and RESEA staff.
• Ensure the staff in all designated UI Hub centers are trained and knowledgeable of the current UI policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate activities of staff to ensure the attainment of goals and objectives.
• Ensure UI programs administered throughout the state are consistent with Department of Labor standards, measurements, and goal requirements.
• Provide coaching and feedback on activities and performance.
• Ensure that communication to claimants and employers is consistent and accurate.
• Plan, communicate, coordinate, supervise and exercise good judgment when appraising situations and making decisions.
• Maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external customers.
• Make presentations and prepare reports.

If you're ready to take on this challenge and help support South Carolina's workforce system, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
Minimum and Additional Requirements

Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience of program management or project management experience, three (3) years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity.
Knowledge of state/federal laws pertaining to DEW administered Unemployment Insurance programs. Knowledge of the agency's mission, programs, and objectives.
Preferred Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of principles, practices and objectives of management. Proven ability to manage change and motivate staff. Ability to manage and provide guidance and training to employees at multiple sites at multiple levels. Experience reading and interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and implement administrative procedures and operations and to evaluate their efficiency. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, executive management, other administrative officials, and the public.

Additional Comments
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
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.
01

Do you have a bachelor's degree AND at least five (5) years of program management or project management experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Please explain your experience. If none, please enter "N/A".
03

Do you have at least (3) years of administrative or supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Please explain your experience. If none, please enter "N/A".
05

At SCDEW, a previous criminal offense or involuntary termination from prior employment are not automatic disqualifiers from employment. The agency takes the totality of a person's work history and background into consideration when making job offers. However, we do expect that individuals provide truthful and complete answers during the application process. Any misrepresentation could result in withdrawal of a pending job offer or termination of employment if selected for hire. By checking "yes" I am certifying that the work history listed on my application is accurate and that I have disclosed all involuntary terminations and any prior criminal convictions (excluding convictions occurring as a minor) regardless of age of offense.

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a veteran?

• Yes
• No

07

If yes, which branch of service? If no, enter "N/A".
08

Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina?

• Yes
• No

09

If yes, when and what agency/agencies? If no, enter "N/A".
10

How did you hear about this position with SC DEW?

• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• SC State Jobs Website - careers.sc.gov
• NASWA Job Board
• SC Works Center Referral
• SC DEW Current or Former Employee
• SC DEW Recruitment Communication or DEW Recruiter
• Other

11

If "Other" selected, please specify.
12

I understand that this position is based out of the central office located in Columbia SC and will require frequent travel, including overnight when necessary.

• Yes
• No

13

The hiring salary range for this position is $79,600 - $102,000 per year. Are you willing to accept a position within this salary range?

• Yes
• No

14

Please provide the names, phone numbers, email addresses, and job titles of at least two (2) professional references that we may contact regarding your qualifications and experience. By providing this information, you consent to SC DEW contacting these individuals should you be selected for the position.
Required Question