South Carolina Community Affairs Senior Specialist

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

Overview

The South Carolina Local Engagement Senior Specialist will drive Scout Motors’ local engagement in support of Scout Motors’ Production Center and the 4,000+ employees who will make it work. This entails serving as a visible and trusted representative to local government stakeholders and related civic organizations, including chambers, workforce partners, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups. At Scout Motors, we believe in going together and, as such, you’ll work in close partnership with our communications team, production leadership, and HR leadership to build and nurture relationships that strengthen Scout Motors’ regional impact, support workforce development efforts, and elevate our commitment to a positive employee experience. This role reports to the Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs. 

The ideal candidate is relationship driven, proactive, and highly skilled at building partnerships that benefit both the community and the company. 

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

Local Government Engagement & Community Partnerships 

• Serve as the primary liaison with South Carolina county and local governments as Scout Motors completes our Production Center and launches production of our Scout vehicles. 
• Build trusted relationships with local government, nonprofits, chambers, workforce and education partners, and community groups to strengthen the company’s presence in the region, and advance initiatives that reflect Scout Motors’ values, commitments, and long‑term community impact. 
• Partner with our Production Center-focused teams to develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy for South Carolina, integrating Scout Motors executives and other team members into relevant business, nonprofit, and philanthropic networks of the broader Carolinas community. 
•  Cultivate strong relationships, and partner closely together with Scout Motors’ Strategy and Brand, HR, and Legal teams on local community engagements, plans and strategies. 
• Support Scout Motors’ Production HR team as they identify strategic opportunities for Scout Motors to support local priorities such as workforce development, STEM education, and economic mobility. 
• Partner with other functions and develop strategies to raise awareness of Scout Motors’ local contributions across the region. 

Corporate Citizenship & Programs 

• Support, as a member of the South Carolina community, Scout Motors’ Strategy and Brand team as they establish a strategy for philanthropic giving, sponsorships, and community investment programs. 
• Assist in facilitating volunteer programs partnering with the HR (Employee Experience team) and Public Affairs teams. 

 Stakeholder Relations & Communications 

• Work closely with Strategy and Brand, Communications, HR, and Government Affairs to align messaging and community initiatives. 
• Represent Scout Motors at public events, community forums, and civic engagements as needed. 

 Measurement & Reporting 

• Develop and track metrics to assess community impact and report outcomes to leadership. 
• Monitor community sentiment and identify opportunities or risks related to Scout Motors’ presence. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Columbia, South Carolina. 
• This role requires 4 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Government Affairs, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience. 
• 8+ years of experience in government affairs, external relations, or equivalent fields. 
• Deep connections within South Carolina and the greater Carolina community, including the local government, business, non-profit, educational, and philanthropic networks.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated leadership and people management abilities, with experience building, developing and executing a cross functional local government and community engagement strategy. 
• Excellent organizational skills ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage multiple projects/deadlines. 
• Ability to work well cross functionally and strengthen company culture through effective collaboration. 
• Strong relationship building, communication, and public speaking skills. 
• Experience working with local government, civic organizations, and community leaders. 
• Comfort representing the company in public settings. 
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, energy, or economic development industries a plus. 

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC8

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.