Elected Official Job Descriptions and Expectations
Youth Governor - Serves a full year term, working with Youth in Government staff and board of directors as the chief ambassador of the program. Represents South Carolina at the Youth Governors Conference in June. Is expected to attend at least two additional conferences throughout the year. Serves on YMCA Youth in Government Board of Advisors. Attends leadership training in fall. Selects staff, determines legislative agenda and priorities, works with Governor's Staff to promote agenda and priorities. Studies all bills and makes informed decisions to sign or veto bills. Skills needed: exceptional communication skills, strong leadership skills, ability to work with wide range of people from all backgrounds, ability to lead staff, ability to set clear vision for administration and inspire staff to help achieve that vision. Strong belief in the mission of Youth in Government and the YMCA.
Lt. Governor - Expected to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in fall. Presides over Senate. Presides over Opening Convocation and Closing Convocation. Skills needed: exceptional presiding skills, strong leadership skills, ability to delegate, ability to maintain decorum and professionalism in chambers. Strong belief in mission of YIG and the YMCA.
Speaker of the House - Expected to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in fall. Presides over House of Representatives. Helps preside over Opening Convocation and Closing Convocation. Skills needed: exceptional presiding skills, strong leadership skills, ability to delegate, ability to maintain deorum and professionalism in chambers. Strong belief in mission of YIG and the YMCA.
Secretary of State - MUST BE A CURRENT JUNIOR. Expected to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in the fall. With YIG staff and Resource Staff, oversees election process. (This role will be given to Deputy Secretary of State if Secretary of State is a candidate for another position.) Works with Resource Staff to oversee and monitor bill flow from committees to chambers. Learns bill tracking system, and helps ensure that all bills are given proper hearing in committees and, if applicable, chambers. Signs all bills to certify proper hearings. Works with Resource Staff to oversee Lobbyist program. Skills needed: exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to details, ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, strong leadership skills, ability to work with Resource Staff, YIG staff and advisors. Strong commitment to YIG and the YMCA.
Attorney General - Must have previous experience in either Mock Trial or Appeals at YIG. Current year experience qualifies. Expected to participate in two conferences throughout year. Attends leadership training in the fall. Serves as senior counsel to Youth Governor on issues of justice and law. May speak in committees on issues of justice and law. Argues in appeals finals bill challenges representing the state of South Carolina. Note: Attorney General does not have specific authority or role in mock trial program, but may work with conference staff and mock trial resource staff to provide input on mock trial programming. Skills needed: strong understanding of appeals process and ability to quickly grasp appeals bill challenge and develop oral arguments for appeals finals. Strong understanding of/passion for issues of law and justice. Strong speaking and debate skills. Strong commitment to the mission of YIG and the YMCA.
Comptroller General - Expected to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in the fall. Serves as senior counsel to Youth Governor on issues of funding and budgeting. With Deputy Commisioners (appointed) develops budget and budget recommendations. Leads, with Resource Staff, budget simulation process. Skills required: strong interest in budgeting, financing and spending. Strong math skills. Passion for budgeting process. Strong speaking skills. Strong committment to mission of YIG and the YMCA.
Superintendent of Education - Expected to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in the fall. Serves as senior counsel to Youth Governor on issues pertaining to education. Speaks in committees on education issues and legislation. Works with Comptroller to develop education budget. Skills required: passion for education and education policy, strong speaking skills, ability to work with people from different backgrounds. Strong commitment to mission of YIG and the YMCA.
Commissioner of Agriculture - NOTE - candidates for this position are expected to demonstrate an interest and willingness to become an expert in all issues and policies affecting agriculture in South Carolina. This is a new position, and will be piloted for two years to determine the value to the conference. Students who choose to run for this position should know that they must demonstrate dedication to this specialized position. Exepcted to participate in two conferences throughout the year. Attends leadership training in the fall. Serves as senior counsel to Youth Governor on issues pertaining to agriculture, farming, and all issues pertaining to agricultural issues in South Carolina. Skills reqired: passion for agriculture policy and economics and a willingness to become the conference expert in this area.