Director of Executive Communications

State of South Carolina

• $88K — $105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
  • Strong judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with senior leaders and stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting a president or senior leader in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead communications efforts to enhance the president’s visibility and stewardship.
  • Develop compelling content that reflects the president's vision and strengthens USC's reputation.
  • Coordinate messaging across the university with key leadership and departments.
  • Identify opportunities for the president to engage in public discourse and higher education discussions.
  • Maintain awareness of current events impacting higher education and public policy.

Benefits

  • Health and life insurance options available.
  • Retirement programs with various savings plans.
  • Paid tuition and dependent scholarships for eligible employees.
  • Generous leave policies including annual and sick leave.
  • Professional development opportunities for continuous learning.
Full Job Description
Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at https://apptrkr.com/9852688
Class Code:: UP03
Position Number:: 9852688
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified

Job Responsibilities

Director of Executive Communications Department: COMM Presidential Communications Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time
Advertised Job Summary The Director of Executive Communications leads efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the University of South Carolina's eight-campus system as well as the president's leadership in addressing major trends in the state and national higher education landscape. The director develops clear, compelling and authentic communications that advance the president's vision while strengthening USC's institutional reputation with internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Office of University Communications, the director works closely with key leadership from other units across the university to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated institutional messaging. The director must value creative, engaging communications and storytelling; have a desire to advance the cause of public higher education; and have a curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, the director will maintain awareness of state and national current events and demonstrate the ability to recognize opportunities for the president to engage at the of the public discourse and higher education.
Minimum and Additional Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to write in an executive voice for diverse audiences. - Strong judgment, discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. - Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, meet tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. - Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff and external stakeholders. - Ability to work in a rapid-response, team environment.
Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree or equivalent professional experience. - Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, journalism, public affairs, public relations or a related field. - Experience supporting a president, chief executive, elected official or other senior leader. - Experience in higher education, research institutions, government, nonprofit organizations or other complex mission-driven environments. - Experience writing op-eds, keynote speeches, public remarks and digital content for senior executives. - Familiarity with issues affecting higher education, research, public policy and economic development.

Additional Comments

Job Close Date 10/22/2026 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 October 22, 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 Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7CKURTRS%40email.sc.edu%7Ceca45df616784275e15908dab2a706ac%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C638018727680845870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=j6sQGvabHDZHDmRBFwMrq8P8QCuDmChuJ%2FH5%2F8hDRUw%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at USC. To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9852688
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at State of South Carolina

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Director of Executive Communications jobs: