Energy Technical Partnership Manager

Energy Technical Partnership Manager

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.

The Energy Technical Partnership Manager supports SC NEXUS initiatives within the South Carolina Department of Commerce by evaluating emerging energy technologies and advancing technically aligned partnerships that strengthen the state's advanced energy and grid-resilience ecosystem. The role provides technical and analytical support for SC NEXUS testbeds, research, demonstration, and deployment activities, while maintaining close engagement with electric utilities, grid operators, industrial energy users, and related partners. This position leads coordination of the SC NEXUS Technical & Intellectual Coordinating Committee and works across internal teams and external stakeholders to align utility and industry priorities with SC NEXUS programs, testbeds, and strategic objectives.

The incumbent must possess strong technical knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including utilities, universities, national laboratories, private-sector partners, and other state agencies.

Job Responsibilities :

• Support assessment of emerging energy technologies, evaluate partnership proposals and technical or programmatic 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, including developing agendas and supporting materials; and tracking action items to ensure timely follow-through and alignment across teams.
• Identify and support opportunities for collaborative research, demonstration projects, and technical information exchange.
• Support activities to expand external partnerships, attract industry participation, and advance SC NEXUS priorities.
• Assist in implementing sales strategies that promote SC NEXUS capabilities, testbeds, and programs to companies, research institutions, and prospective partners.

Minimum and Additional Requirements :

Bachelor's 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications :

A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience, including external and internal engagement and partnership-focused work, within the energy, utilities, and energy systems / policy. A master's degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

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

Experience supporting industry engagement, partnership coordination, or collaborative project development as well as technical or programmatic initiatives.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce offers an exceptional benefit package for full-time and temporary grant positions that include :