University of South Carolina is hiring a Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Engagement. The Deputy Director leads daily operations, manages strategic partnerships, oversees technology commercialization, and drives economic development initiatives aligned with the university's goals across South Carolina.
Highlights
Lead day-to-day operations of the Office of Economic Engagement, aligning with strategic goals.
Serve as principal liaison to internal stakeholders and external partners including industry, government, and community organizations.
Oversee strategic partnerships in entrepreneurship, K-16 engagement, and startup ecosystems.
Manage technology disclosure and commercialization efforts, including negotiation of licenses and contracts.
Provide mentorship and support to USC-affiliated startups, managing incubation programs and outreach initiatives.
Develop programs to support startup creation, licensing, and federal grant acquisition such as SBIR/STTR and FAST Award.
Bachelor's degree required with at least 10 years of relevant experience including management; MBA preferred.
Proven leadership in economic development, technology commercialization, and university-industry partnerships.
Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and project management skills required.
Starting salary $154,534 with range up to $231,801; full-time, 37.5 hours/week standard schedule.
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 23, 2025.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00562PO25 Job Family | Operational Analysis Job Function | Partnerships & Initiatives USC Market Title | Deputy Director, Partnerships & Initiatives Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133548 Job Level | E1 - Directors and Executives Business Title (Internal Title) | Deputy Director Campus | Columbia Work County | Richland College/Division | Office of Economic Engagement Department | Office of Economic Engagement State Pay Band | Unclassified Approved Starting Salary | $154,534 Advertised Salary Range | $154,534-$231,801 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 a Deputy Director. The Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) serves as the principal operational leader for the office, acting on behalf of the Vice President to manage and execute the strategic vision of the University’s economic engagement initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing internal and external partnerships, driving innovative and commercialization efforts, and ensuring the seamless integration of university resources with economic development priorities across South Carolina. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and at least 10 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience. Typically reports to an Associate VP or VP. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Preferred Qualifications | MBA is preferred, but not required Experience with advancing an idea to commercialization is preferred.Prefer at least 5 years leadership experience in areas of economic development, technology commercialization, and university-industry.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Proven leadership experience in economic development, technology commercialization, and university-industry partnerships. Must have strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Must demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams. Must have the ability to manage up in the organization and manage down with minimum supervision is expected. This includes working with faculty, staff, students, and interns.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Strategic Leadership & Operations:· Lead day-to-day operations of OEE, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals set by the Vice President/Director.· Analyze university data, systems, and processes to assess performance, efficiency, and effectiveness; recommend and implement improvements.· Evaluate outcomes of implemented changes and ensure continuous improvement.· Supervise the Assistant Deputy Director, Associate Director for Technology Commercialization, Marketing/Communications/Public Relations, and the Administrative Coordinator. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Stakeholder Engagement:· Serve as a primary liaison to internal stakeholders across USC’s system campuses and external partners including industry, government, and community organizations.· Represent OEE in high-level meetings, boards, and initiatives that advance the University’s economic development mission. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Economic Development & Outreach:· Support and lead university engagement in economic development projects, ensuring a seamless point of contact for private sector collaboration.· Develop and maintain strategic partnerships in entrepreneurship, K-16 engagement, and startup ecosystems. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Technology Commercialization:· Oversee outreach and education efforts related to technology disclosure and commercialization across USC campuses.· Lead negotiations and execution of partnership agreements, licenses, and contracts that balance USC’s intellectual property interests with industry needs. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Entrepreneurship & Innovation:· Provide mentoring and support to USC-affiliated startups, guiding them through formation, funding, and product launch.· Design and manage structured incubation programs and outreach initiatives, including metrics tracking and reporting. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Program Development & Grant Support:· Develop and manage programs to enhance startup creation, licensing, and federal grant acquisition (e.g., SBIR/STTR).· Direct initiatives such as the FAST Award and other funding mechanisms to support innovation. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Legal & Institutional Support:· Provide technical assistance to USC General Counsel and external legal teams in managing and negotiating license agreements. - Accept and perform other related duties as assigned. 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 | 07/11/2025 Job Close Date | 07/23/2025 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 23, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/190707 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 at least 10 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience?
Yes
No
* Please describe your experience with leading an economic engagement office. (Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience with maintaining a strategic partnership with internal and external stakeholders. (Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience in advancing an idea to commercialization. (Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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