Research Coordinator

Job Overview

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) manages state parks, promotes the state as a tourist destination, and provides grants for development in parks, recreation, and tourism sectors.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental administrative duties supporting three SCPRT departments: Research, Grants Recreation and Policy, and Film Office.
• Serve as a general point of contact for agency phone inquiries from the public.
• Handle procurement activities for the Research Office and assist with administrative and procurement tasks for Grants and Film divisions.
• Collect, compile, clean, analyze, and proof tourism-related economic data such as taxes, employment figures, hotel metrics, and air traffic statistics on daily, monthly, quarterly, and yearly schedules for inclusion in internal and external reports.
• Coordinate the distribution of research materials across internal platforms, public websites, and external newsletters while maintaining research records and documentation per agency retention policies.
• Oversee budgets, expenditures, and procurement procedures for the Research area, implementing tracking and reporting mechanisms for budget management.
• Provide analysis and consultation support for ongoing research and special projects as requested by the Director of Recreation, Grants and Policy.
• Act as the Procurement Card Holder for Research, Grants, and Film offices, and manage communication via the agency VOIP system regarding general SCPRT queries from government entities, businesses, and the public.
• Foster teamwork internally and externally, serving as an engaged member of agency teams throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of administrative experience, or high school diploma with five years of responsible administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong ability to meet deadlines, review others' work, follow complex instructions, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and maintain high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with capacity to build effective working relationships and exercise discretion.
• Basic understanding of agency mission, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity and some hands-on experience with accounting principles and data analysis methods.
• Effective oral and written communication abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and standard office equipment operation.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and willingness to undertake limited in-state travel.

Additional Information

• Work location is the Research Management Central Office in Columbia, SC.
• This is a full-time, onsite role with standard Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week schedule.
• The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.