Posting Details

Posting Summary

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Posting Number
STA00712PO26

Job Family
Communications and Marketing

Job Function
Executive Communication

USC Market Title
Executive Communications Manager

Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132383

Job Level
P4 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)
Director of Executive Communications

Campus
Columbia

Work County
Richland

College/Division
Communications

Department
COMM Presidential Communications

State Pay Range
G12

USC Market Range
MRK - $86,515 $110,307 $134,098

Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary commensurate with qualifications

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
37.5

Work Schedule

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

Basis
12 months

Job Search Category
Communication Services

Position Description

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.

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

• 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.

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.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Writing:
Serves as the president's primary writer for speeches, remarks, talking points, video scripts, presentations and other public-facing communications. This includes drafting, editing and managing executive correspondence, including messages to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders and partners. The director also develops op-eds, essays, statements, social media posts, articles and other thought-leadership content that articulate the president's perspective, that advance the university's priorities, and that position the president as a leading voice in higher education and public service. The director must maintain a strong understanding of the president's voice, priorities and leadership style, while ensuring communications reflect the values and mission of the university.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
40

Job Duty

Research:
Research institutional, regional and national issues; synthesize complex information into concise, accurate and audience-appropriate communications. This requires close collaboration with other administrative across the university to ensure accuracy and consistency ion university messaging. The director also prepares briefing materials, message frameworks, background documents and talking points for meetings, interviews, events and travel.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
30

Job Duty

Strategic Planning:Manages editorial calendars, review processes and deadlines for executive communications projects. The director also collaborates with other campus units to coordinate the president's role in major institutional events. Identifies future opportunities to feature the president's stewardship on USC across multiple platforms.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
20

Job Duty

Other:
Accepts and performs other related duties as requested. Engages in special projects and/or university initiatives as requested.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

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
09/24/2026

Job Close Date
10/22/2026

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 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

Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213621