Technical Business Development Manager

Full Job Description

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 22 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:

SC Department of Commerce is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable professional to be the Technical Business Development Manager for the SC NEXUS Division.

The purpose of this position is to provide technical, analytical, and programmatic support for SC NEXUS initiatives aimed at strengthening South Carolina’s advanced-energy ecosystem.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support assessment of emerging energy technologies, evaluate partnership proposals and business development opportunities for strategic alignment with SC NEXUS mission and goals.
• Provide technical support for SC NEXUS testbeds and grid-resilience initiatives as well as reporting for research, demonstration, and deployment projects.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with electric utilities, cooperatives, grid operators, industrial energy users, and related partners.
• Drive alignment between utility and industry priorities and SC NEXUS programs and testbed activities to inform strategy and execution.
• Oversee the management of the SC NEXUS Technical & Intellectual Coordinating Committee, ensuring the development of agendas and supporting materials; and tracking action items to ensure timely follow-through and alignment across teams.
• Support business development and sales initiatives to expand partnerships, attract industry participation, and advance SC NEXUS priorities by promoting SC NEXUS capabilities, testbeds, and programs to companies, research institutions, and prospective partners.
• Identify and support opportunities for collaborative research, demonstration projects, and technical information exchange.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and relevant program management experience.

Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency in project coordination, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.

Valid drivers license and some overnight travel required.

Qualifications

Prefer a degree in engineering, energy systems, business, energy systems, engineering, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience working with utilities, energy-sector partners, or applied research environments.

Five (5) years of professional experience in the energy, utilities, engineering, or advanced-technology sector. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience.

Experience supporting advisory committees, technical working groups, or coordinated governance bodies.

Experience with business development, sales strategy implementation, or partnership management.

Additional Information

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