University of South Carolina
Communications Director
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $66K
💻 Communications
🗓️ September 26th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Communications Director for the South Carolina Honors College. This role involves developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies to build awareness and engagement, managing a team of marketing staff, collaborating with various college departments, and ensuring consistent brand messaging and communication to internal and external stakeholders.
Highlights
- Lead strategic marketing and communications planning and execution aligned with college and university goals.
- Collaborate with senior administrators, development, alumni relations, recruitment, and academic programs staff.
- Manage a team of marketing and communication professionals, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Oversee content creation across multiple platforms, including web, print, social media, newsletters, and video.
- Ensure brand message alignment and visual identity in coordination with USC Brand Collective.
- Advise college leadership and participate in university-wide communications networks and councils.
- Must have advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, social media engagement practices, and AP style.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of training and education.
- Preferred qualifications include supervisory and project management experience and familiarity with university policies.
- Starting salary is $65,539 with full-time, 37.5 hours per week schedule, including occasional nights and weekends.
Communications Director Full Description
Communications Director
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
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 byOctober 10, 2025.
Logo
Posting Number | STA00780PO25
Job Family | Communications and Marketing
Job Function | Communication & PR
USC Market Title | Manager of Communications and Public Relations
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/138282
Job Level | M2 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Communications Director
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | South Carolina Honors College
Department | HNRS South Carolina Honors College
State Pay Band | 7
Approved Starting Salary | $65,539
Advertised Salary Range | $65,539-Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday with some nights and weekend required
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Communication Services
Posting Number | STA00780PO25
Job Family | Communications and Marketing
Job Function | Communication & PR
USC Market Title | Manager of Communications and Public Relations
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/138282
Job Level | M2 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Communications Director
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | South Carolina Honors College
Department | HNRS South Carolina Honors College
State Pay Band | 7
Approved Starting Salary | $65,539
Advertised Salary Range | $65,539-Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | 8:30-5:00, Monday-Friday with some nights and weekend required
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.
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 Communications Director for the South Carolina Honors College is responsible for developing and executing the integrated marketing and communications strategy across multiple platforms to build awareness as well as foster engagement among priority audiences and stakeholders. The Director will work with senior administrators, unit directors and staff to enhance the College’s brand, development, recruitment and alumni engagement. The Director will manage a team of marketing and communication staff and collaborate with the SCHC development, alumni relations, recruitment and academic programs personnel to ensure the outreach and marketing efforts and resources are specifically supported via print production and digital communication resources. The Director will manage resources in support of the college-wide efforts to communicate positive newsworthy activities, ensure consistent messaging and visual brand standardization across the College, provide clear internal and external communication to all stakeholders. The Director will work closely with the Associate Director of Integrated Communications within the USC Brand Collective to execute a focused and strategic communications plan that will advance the school’s reputation and help engage the highest quality faculty, donors, alumni, students and prospective students. Honors College staff members should possess a wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and a commitment to serving high-achieving students.
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 | Some knowledge of USC policies, procedures, and programs is preferred. Supervisory experience. Project management experience. Communications experience in a higher ed setting.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | The Director of Communications is an organized, enterprising self-starter with a proven ability to create strategic and engaging content across all media. Applicants must have the ability to function in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The successful candidate will be well organized, have excellent written and oral communication skills, be able to deal diplomatically with various constituent groups and have advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Exceptional writing and communication skills, including ability to tell a compelling story with a command of grammar and AP style. Advanced knowledge of social media, including best practices for engaging audiences in a professional context on each platform.
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 | Some knowledge of USC policies, procedures, and programs is preferred. Supervisory experience. Project management experience. Communications experience in a higher ed setting.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | The Director of Communications is an organized, enterprising self-starter with a proven ability to create strategic and engaging content across all media. Applicants must have the ability to function in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The successful candidate will be well organized, have excellent written and oral communication skills, be able to deal diplomatically with various constituent groups and have advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Exceptional writing and communication skills, including ability to tell a compelling story with a command of grammar and AP style. Advanced knowledge of social media, including best practices for engaging audiences in a professional context on each platform.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Marketing and communications strategyDirects the strategic marketing and communications planning and execution for the College. Determines communications priorities based on defined objectives, audiences and messages. Ensures alignment with university brand standards. Develops and maintains an editorial calendar for story, social and marketing content. Oversees the development and implementation of paid marketing, web design and development. The integrated communications strategic plan must include all internal and external strategies and tactics and be aligned with SCHC goals, mission, and vision; and the USC’s strategic blueprint, mission and vision.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Communications leadershipWorks collaboratively with the brand team in the University’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs on shared priority projects. Provides communications counsel to the College’s dean, executive leadership, and staff. Serves as the College’s representative on the University’s Communications Council and as a member of the University’s Communicators Network. Serves as a collaborative partner with communications managers among the University’s academic and administrative units. Internally, collaborates with SCHC development, alumni relations, and academic programs to ensure their outreach and marketing efforts and resources are specifically supported via print production and digital communication resources.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Content creation oversightUsing a strategic approach and adherence to university content and brand guidelines, oversees a variety of cross-channel marketing materials including feature stories for web and print, social media posts and infographics, smart brevity releases, newsletters, video scripts, collateral and photography. Controls budget, scope and schedule to ensure project deliverables, milestones and required tasks are completed as planned. Creates event promotion strategies for the College based on industry and university best practices. Oversees staff who create and disseminate promotional content.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Supervision
Hires, supervises, trains and evaluates professional staff who serve as Honors College communicators. Uses appropriate management principles according to University and College policy and procedures, completes EPMS timely and accurately, and monitors employee progress toward goal attainment. Communicates expectations and provides feedback to assist employees with performance improvement, personal development, and skill/ competency development.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Brand managementEstablishes and oversees message and brand alignment across multiple platforms including but not limited to digital media (web content, social media, and video), print publications, visual communications, paid advertising and news releases. Oversees and implements the strategic positioning of the SCHC’s brand message and visual identity, in alignment with USC’s brand, to advance the SCHC’s reputation by partnering with the Admissions Office to attract the highest quality students to our programs, and aid in development and alumni efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Other duties
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, in support of other activities of the Honors College.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Communications leadershipWorks collaboratively with the brand team in the University’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs on shared priority projects. Provides communications counsel to the College’s dean, executive leadership, and staff. Serves as the College’s representative on the University’s Communications Council and as a member of the University’s Communicators Network. Serves as a collaborative partner with communications managers among the University’s academic and administrative units. Internally, collaborates with SCHC development, alumni relations, and academic programs to ensure their outreach and marketing efforts and resources are specifically supported via print production and digital communication resources.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Content creation oversightUsing a strategic approach and adherence to university content and brand guidelines, oversees a variety of cross-channel marketing materials including feature stories for web and print, social media posts and infographics, smart brevity releases, newsletters, video scripts, collateral and photography. Controls budget, scope and schedule to ensure project deliverables, milestones and required tasks are completed as planned. Creates event promotion strategies for the College based on industry and university best practices. Oversees staff who create and disseminate promotional content.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Supervision
Hires, supervises, trains and evaluates professional staff who serve as Honors College communicators. Uses appropriate management principles according to University and College policy and procedures, completes EPMS timely and accurately, and monitors employee progress toward goal attainment. Communicates expectations and provides feedback to assist employees with performance improvement, personal development, and skill/ competency development.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Brand managementEstablishes and oversees message and brand alignment across multiple platforms including but not limited to digital media (web content, social media, and video), print publications, visual communications, paid advertising and news releases. Oversees and implements the strategic positioning of the SCHC’s brand message and visual identity, in alignment with USC’s brand, to advance the SCHC’s reputation by partnering with the Admissions Office to attract the highest quality students to our programs, and aid in development and alumni efforts.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Other duties
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, in support of other activities of the Honors College.
Essential Function | No
Percentage of Time | 5
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.
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
Hazardous weather category | Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 12/01/2027
Job Open Date | 09/25/2025
Job Close Date | 10/19/2025
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 byOctober 10, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195419
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.
Desired Start Date | 12/01/2027
Job Open Date | 09/25/2025
Job Close Date | 10/19/2025
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 byOctober 10, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195419
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 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?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have experience working in a university environment? If so, how many years?
(Open Ended Question) - * Do you have any previous supervisory experience? If yes, please explain.
(Open Ended Question) - * We believe the best communicators are passionate about their subject matter. Why are you interested in sharing the stories of the South Carolina Honors College?
(Open Ended Question) - * Briefly state why you are interested in this position and what knowledge/skills you will bring to this role.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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