University of South Carolina is hiring an Assistant Deputy Director. The role supports the Deputy Director in implementing the strategic vision of the Office of Economic Engagement by leading project portfolios, managing operational initiatives, and ensuring alignment of programs, partnerships, and innovation efforts with the university's economic development objectives.
Highlights
Translate strategic directives into actionable project plans and oversee innovation and economic development programs.
Lead and supervise the project portfolio manager to prioritize projects, allocate resources, and coordinate stakeholders.
Represent the Office of Economic Engagement in meetings with industry, government, and community organizations.
Support technology transfer, startup incubation, and commercialization programs, including grant proposal development and reporting.
Manage operational workflows, budget planning, procurement, and compliance with university policies.
Provide mentorship and supervision for staff and interns involved in program execution.
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred qualifications include MBA, experience in program management, economic development, and familiarity with higher education public-private partnerships.
Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and project management skills are essential.
Salary range: $87,231 to $130,846; full-time, 37.5 hours per week with a standard schedule of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, flexible as needed.
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 July 18, 2025.
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.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00563PO25 Job Family | Program Management Job Function | Program Management USC Market Title | Program Director Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133621 Job Level | M2 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) | Assistant Deputy Director Campus | Columbia Work County | Richland College/Division | Office of Economic Engagement Department | Office of Economic Engagement State Pay Band | 9 Approved Starting Salary | $87,231 Advertised Salary Range | $87,231-$130,846 Location of Vacancy | Part/Full Time | Full Time Hours per Week | 37.5 Work Schedule | Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department. Basis | 12 months Job Search Category | Other Professional
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.
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 Office of Economic Engagement at the University of South Carolina is seeking to hire an Assistant Deputy Director. The Assistant Deputy Director (ADD) supports the Deputy Director in executing the strategic vision of the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) and provides leadership over the project portfolio and operational initiatives. This role serves as a critical link between high-level strategy and on-the-ground implementation, ensuring that programs, partnerships, and innovation efforts are effectively coordinated and aligned with the University’s economic development goals. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 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 | At least 5 years of experience in program management, economic development, or university-industry partnerships. MBA or similar preferred Familiarity with higher education, innovation ecosystems, and public-private partnerships is highly desirable.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | · Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.· Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Strategic Program Oversight:· Translate strategic directives from the Deputy Director into actionable project plans and initiatives.· Oversee the implementation of key programs related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.· Monitor and evaluate program performance, ensuring alignment with OEE’s mission and continuous improvement. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Project Portfolio Leadership:· Supervise the Project Portfolio Manager and provide guidance on project prioritization, resource allocation, and stakeholder coordination.· Ensure consistent use of project management tools and methodologies across initiatives.· Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among university departments, campuses, and external partners. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:· Represent OEE in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including industry, government, and community organizations.· Support the development of outreach materials, presentations, and reports that communicate OEE’s impact and initiatives.· Coordinate events and briefings that promote the office’s work and foster engagement. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Innovation & Commercialization Support:· Assist in managing programs that support technology transfer, startup incubation, and commercialization.· Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to advance innovation initiatives and secure external funding.· Contribute to the development of grant proposals and manage reporting for funded projects. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Operational & Administrative Leadership:· Oversee operational workflows, ensuring effective communication and coordination across the office.· Provide support to the Deputy Director in the oversight of the Associate Director for Technology Commercialization Office, Communications/Public Relations, and the Administrative Coordinator.· Support budget planning, procurement, and compliance with university policies.· Provide mentorship and supervision to staff and interns involved in program execution. 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 | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1 Desired Start Date | Job Open Date | 07/11/2025 Job Close Date | 07/18/2025 Open Until Filled | No Special Instructions to Applicant | Please provide five or more references.
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 July 18, 2025. 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/190708 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.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and five or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
Yes
No
* Please describe your experience with communicating with internal and external stakeholders. (Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience with managing/leading innovative economic programs. (Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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