University of South Carolina
Dir of Strategic Initiatives
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $87K - $131K
💻 Project Management
🗓️ October 31st, 2025
SaaS
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Director of Strategic Initiatives. This role manages the university's response to campus protests and demonstrations, leads policy development within the Division of Student Affairs, and supports strategic initiatives to enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.
Highlights
- Oversee campus protests and demonstrations ensuring safety, compliance, and freedom of expression.
- Lead the development, review, and implementation of division-wide policies and represent the division on the University Policy Advisory Committee.
- Provide on-site support during events, including evenings and weekends, and coordinate with campus partners such as University Police and the University Union.
- Deliver training, workshops, and consultation on conflict resolution and expressive activities.
- Manage strategic projects and initiatives aligned with university priorities under the direction of the Dean of Students.
- Participate in committees and task forces representing the Office of the Dean of Students.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Preferred qualifications include experience in conflict negotiation, student affairs, law, higher education, and familiarity with police collaboration on campus.
- Must have strong communication skills, project management expertise, and the ability to work flexible schedules.
- Offers an approved starting salary of $87,231 with a salary range up to $130,846 and a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave, health insurance, tuition benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Dir of Strategic Initiatives Full Description
Dir of Strategic Initiatives
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 by December 5, 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
Logo
Posting Number | STA00875PO25
Job Family | Operational Analysis
Job Function | Partnerships & Initiatives
USC Market Title | Director of Strategic Initiatives
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/138411
Job Level | M4 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Dir of Strategic Initiatives
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support
Department | SAAS Office of Dean of Students
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 | Student Services
Posting Number | STA00875PO25
Job Family | Operational Analysis
Job Function | Partnerships & Initiatives
USC Market Title | Director of Strategic Initiatives
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/138411
Job Level | M4 - Managerial
Business Title (Internal Title) | Dir of Strategic Initiatives
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support
Department | SAAS Office of Dean of Students
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 | Student 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.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
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.
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 | Director of Strategic Initiatives Do you have experience overseeing events or incidents that required balancing campus safety, policy compliance, and freedom of expression? Are you experienced in providing on-site support during campus events, including those occurring in the evening or on weekends? Are you able to train or coach others in effective conflict-resolution and de-escalation strategies? Have you fostered respectful, civil environments while responding effectively to crises, including coordination with law enforcement? Do you have experience developing, reviewing, or implementing university or departmental policies that align with institutional goals and compliance standards? Have you led strategic initiatives or projects that advanced divisional or institutional priorities? The Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Dean of Students holds primary responsibility for two key priorities within the Division of Student Affairs that currently reside with the Dean. Providing oversight for the university’s response to campus protests and demonstrations and serving as the division’s policy lead and representative on the University Policy Advisory Committee. In addition, the Director supports the Dean in advancing strategic initiatives that promote student success, engagement, and institutional effectiveness.
Primary duties include: Coordinates with the Dean of Students to ensure appropriate division representation at University Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. Leads the development, drafting, and implementation of all new division policies, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accessibility across the division. Coordinates with the Dean of Students to establish, implement, and maintain a regular review cycle for all division policies. Partners with the Director of the University Union and University Police to develop and implement comprehensive safety and volunteer staffing plans for expression-related events. Ensures that freedom of expression activities are conducted in a manner that supports safety, inclusion, and adherence to university policies and values. Meets with students, faculty, staff, University Counsel, University Police, campus partners, and community members to provide consultation, training, workshops, and problem-solving related to expressive activity and demonstrations. Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of ongoing initiatives and other projects aligned with university, division, or office priorities. Serves on committees and task forces as a representative of the Office of the Dean of Students, as assigned. Perks Competitive salary + some of the BEST benefits you can find! 15 paid vacation days 15 paid sick days 13 paid holidays (including an extended December holiday) An engaging and collaborative environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BALBcUSl7ck
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 | Experience working with and negotiating conflicts Graduate or professional degree in student affairs, law, higher education, or related field Demonstrated expertise in student development, training and development, and conflict management Knowledge of student development theory, freedom of expression, and higher education policy Knowledge of best practices in de-escalation and dialogue Demonstrated expertise in working with diverse student groups and programs Experience working with police, particularly on a university campus
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary in the performance of assigned duties Proven Success in advising or de-escalating individuals in conflict Knowledgeable with policy development and review Skilled with project management Demonstrated skills/knowledge in overseeing the design, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives that promote learning, leadership, and development
Primary duties include: Coordinates with the Dean of Students to ensure appropriate division representation at University Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. Leads the development, drafting, and implementation of all new division policies, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accessibility across the division. Coordinates with the Dean of Students to establish, implement, and maintain a regular review cycle for all division policies. Partners with the Director of the University Union and University Police to develop and implement comprehensive safety and volunteer staffing plans for expression-related events. Ensures that freedom of expression activities are conducted in a manner that supports safety, inclusion, and adherence to university policies and values. Meets with students, faculty, staff, University Counsel, University Police, campus partners, and community members to provide consultation, training, workshops, and problem-solving related to expressive activity and demonstrations. Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of ongoing initiatives and other projects aligned with university, division, or office priorities. Serves on committees and task forces as a representative of the Office of the Dean of Students, as assigned. Perks Competitive salary + some of the BEST benefits you can find! 15 paid vacation days 15 paid sick days 13 paid holidays (including an extended December holiday) An engaging and collaborative environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BALBcUSl7ck
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 | Experience working with and negotiating conflicts Graduate or professional degree in student affairs, law, higher education, or related field Demonstrated expertise in student development, training and development, and conflict management Knowledge of student development theory, freedom of expression, and higher education policy Knowledge of best practices in de-escalation and dialogue Demonstrated expertise in working with diverse student groups and programs Experience working with police, particularly on a university campus
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary in the performance of assigned duties Proven Success in advising or de-escalating individuals in conflict Knowledgeable with policy development and review Skilled with project management Demonstrated skills/knowledge in overseeing the design, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives that promote learning, leadership, and development
Job Duties
Job Duty | Policy Management and Development Serves as the Division of Student Affairs’ primary point of contact for all division-level policy matters. Coordinates with the Dean of Students to establish, implement, and maintain a regular review cycle for all division policies. Collaborates with division units to develop review schedules and ensures timely completion of policy reviews. Provides consultation and guidance to division units on drafting, revising, and updating policies to ensure alignment with university standards and compliance requirements. Finalizes policy updates and facilitates the approval process in coordination with division leadership. Coordinates with the Dean of Students to ensure appropriate division representation at University Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings. Leads the development, drafting, and implementation of all new division policies, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accessibility across the division.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Freedom of Expression and Event Management Serves as the Division of Student Affairs’ primary point of contact for matters related to freedom of expression events on campus. Serves as co-chair of the University’s Safely Engaging in Expression Delegates (SEED) Team and provides leadership in coordinating institutional responses to expressive activities. Partners with the Director of the University Union and University Police to develop and implement comprehensive safety and volunteer staffing plans for expression-related events. Provides on-site event support and coordination, including events occurring during evening and weekend hours. Assists in the development of training materials and programs for SEED Team members and facilitates training sessions as appropriate. Ensures that freedom of expression activities are conducted in a manner that supports safety, inclusion, and adherence to university policies and values.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Education and Consultation Coordinates with the Dean of Students on requests for educational presentations related to freedom of expression events and related campus activities. Meets with students, faculty, staff, University Counsel, University Police, campus partners, and community members to provide consultation, training, workshops, and problem-solving related to expressive activity and demonstrations. Serves as a campus resource on demonstrations and related institutional policies and procedures, ensuring consistent communication and understanding across the university community.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Project Management and Strategic Initiatives Serves as a project manager for the Office of the Dean of Students under the direction of the Dean of Students. Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of ongoing initiatives and other projects aligned with university, division, or office priorities. Collaborates with campus and community partners to support the successful execution and assessment of assigned projects and initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 40Job Duty | Committee and Task Force Participation Serves on committees and task forces as a representative of the Office of the Dean of Students, as assigned. Contributes subject-matter expertise, promotes the priorities of the Office of the Dean of Students, and ensures effective communication between the office and campus stakeholders. Participates actively in discussions and decision-making processes to support university-wide goals and initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Freedom of Expression and Event Management Serves as the Division of Student Affairs’ primary point of contact for matters related to freedom of expression events on campus. Serves as co-chair of the University’s Safely Engaging in Expression Delegates (SEED) Team and provides leadership in coordinating institutional responses to expressive activities. Partners with the Director of the University Union and University Police to develop and implement comprehensive safety and volunteer staffing plans for expression-related events. Provides on-site event support and coordination, including events occurring during evening and weekend hours. Assists in the development of training materials and programs for SEED Team members and facilitates training sessions as appropriate. Ensures that freedom of expression activities are conducted in a manner that supports safety, inclusion, and adherence to university policies and values.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Education and Consultation Coordinates with the Dean of Students on requests for educational presentations related to freedom of expression events and related campus activities. Meets with students, faculty, staff, University Counsel, University Police, campus partners, and community members to provide consultation, training, workshops, and problem-solving related to expressive activity and demonstrations. Serves as a campus resource on demonstrations and related institutional policies and procedures, ensuring consistent communication and understanding across the university community.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Project Management and Strategic Initiatives Serves as a project manager for the Office of the Dean of Students under the direction of the Dean of Students. Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of ongoing initiatives and other projects aligned with university, division, or office priorities. Collaborates with campus and community partners to support the successful execution and assessment of assigned projects and initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 40Job Duty | Committee and Task Force Participation Serves on committees and task forces as a representative of the Office of the Dean of Students, as assigned. Contributes subject-matter expertise, promotes the priorities of the Office of the Dean of Students, and ensures effective communication between the office and campus stakeholders. Participates actively in discussions and decision-making processes to support university-wide goals and initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function | Yes
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 | Yes
Hazardous weather category | Essential
Hazardous weather category | Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 10/30/2025
Job Close Date | 12/05/2025
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 by December 5, 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/196905
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 |
Job Open Date | 10/30/2025
Job Close Date | 12/05/2025
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 by December 5, 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/196905
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 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
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
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