Job Description

Posting Number

STA00932PO25

Job Family

Communications and Marketing

Job Function

General Communications

USC Market Title

Associate Director of Communication

Link to USC Market Title

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132420

Job Level

P4 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)

AD Academic Affairs Comm

Campus

Columbia

Work County

Richland

College/Division

Communications

Department

COMM Provost Academic News

State Pay Band

7

Approved Starting Salary

$59,581

Advertised Salary Range

$59,581 - $89,371

Location of Vacancy

Columbia, SC

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

Standard work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work flexible schedule in support of office operations.

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Communication Services


About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service -- helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.


Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications develops and executes the integrated communications strategy for the Office of the Provost, including the promotion of major initiatives, academic excellence across colleges, signature events, and core functions of the Office to key campus constituents and peers at other national higher education institutions. The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications also provides communications guidance and strategic support to the 20+ units reporting to the Office of the Provost and provides executive communications support to the Provost. The Associate Director collaborates closely with academic communications managers across the institution. Work is conducted under the general supervision of the AVP for University Communications and with guidance from senior staff within the Office of the Provost.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a client facing content strategy, marketing or public relations role. Previous experience working within higher education is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Proven ability to create engaging written content across platforms. Demonstrated proficiency in content management software, social media platforms, web analytics and social media monitoring. Knowledge of AP style is a must along with the ability to be a self-editor. Must be organized, enterprising and a self-starter. Project management skills and an ability to meet deadlines. Verbal communication skills along with an ability to work as part of a team and with distinct units within the Office of the Provost. Ability to solve problems through creativity, strategic thought and planning. A desire to develop professionally, stay on top of new trends and developments in marketing and public relations and enhance skills is required.




Job Duties

Job Duty

Content Strategy and Creation

: With a commitment to clear and engaging communication, and adherence to brand consistency, creates a variety of cross-channel content including web stories, newsletters, press releases, social media content and calendar items. This includes writing/editing long and short form stories that highlight the University's academic excellence and multimedia content created on behalf of the Office of the Provost.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

30

Job Duty

Social Media Strategy and Management

: Oversees the Office of the Provost's social media accounts, including developing content and strategies to maximize engagement with faculty and students. Focused engagement with peers highlighting the University of South Carolina's academic excellence is a priority. The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications also advises individual units within the Office of the Provost on social media best practices.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

25

Job Duty

Account Executive/Project Manager

: Provides oversight and management of communications projects conducted in collaboration with other campus communication units and performs client coordination between staff and administrators within the Office of the Provost and affiliated units. These services include strategic marketing, event promotion, web design and development, content strategy, public relations, design and creative services, printing services and vendor management.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Executive Communications

: Researches and prepares executive-level communications and public statements issued on behalf of the Office of the Provost. Such statements include email communications, talking points and other correspondence with a variety of audiences. In consultation with other members of Communications and Marketing, ensures communications mirror institutional priorities.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Communications Consulting

: Provides guidance for effective communications to Office of the Provost reporting units. In conjunction with University Communications and the Brand Collaborative, the Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications will provide guidance to academic unit communicators when appropriate.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15


Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive

No

Hazardous weather category

Essential


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date

11/25/2025

Job Close Date

01/09/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by January 9, 2026

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities





Click

here

to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/198587

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.