Operations Specialist (Program Assistant AH30)

Job Responsibilities

The SC Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission is the agency charged with the responsibility of administering the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program, which provides grants based on financial need to eligible South Carolina residents attending one of the twenty-two, eligible by law, independent colleges and universities in the State.

We welcome candidates who are interested in meeting the goals of our mission as we continue the legacy of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program.

Position Summary The Operations Specialist serves as a key member of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission and provides advanced administrative, operational, customer service, and program support essential to the administration of the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program. Reporting to the Fiscal Operations Manager, this position serves as the agency’s primary front-line contact for students, families, colleges, and the general public, providing information and assistance related to program eligibility, application processes, and agency services.

The Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting daily office operations, managing records and correspondence, supporting procurement activities, maintaining applicant data within the agency’s Student Information System, and overseeing the intake, tracking, and evaluation of student appeal submissions. The position also supports agency communications, outreach activities, website and social media updates, and the preparation of official program correspondence.

This role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; exceptional attention to detail; the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously; and a commitment to customer service and confidentiality. The Operations Specialist exercises independent judgment in carrying out a wide range of duties and plays a critical role in ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant agency operations while supporting the Commission’s mission of helping South Carolina students access higher education.

Minimum And Additional Requirements A high school diploma and relevant administrative, customer service, office management, or program support experience.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Experience maintaining records and data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn and apply agency policies, procedures, and state regulations.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a small team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in business administration, public administration, communications, or a related field.
• Experience working in state government, higher education, financial aid administration, or a customer-focused public service environment.
• Experience maintaining data within a student information system, database, CRM, or other enterprise application.
• Experience preparing correspondence, reports, or official communications.
• Familiarity with the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program

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 pla…