University of South Carolina is hiring a Director of the Leadership and Service Center. This role involves directing and leading all aspects of the center, including oversight and strategic vision, to provide transformative learning experiences that cultivate leadership and service among students. Responsibilities include program planning, community partnerships, staff supervision, and financial management to enhance student life and engagement.
Highlights
Develops programs and services to recruit and retain student leaders.
Oversees community engagement initiatives and partnerships.
Manages policies supporting over 600 student organizations.
Requires a bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and experience in higher education administration.
Salary range: $79,302 - $99,127.
Skilled in collaboration, risk mitigation, and student engagement.
Responsible for budget management and financial compliance.
Director of the Leadership and Service Center Full Description
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 byJuly 20, 2025.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00441PO25 Job Family | Student Enrichment Job Function | Student Life USC Market Title | Director, Student Life Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/171169 Job Level | M4 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) | Director of the Leadership and Service Center Campus | Columbia Work County | Richland College/Division | Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support Department | SAAS Student Life State Pay Band | 8 Approved Starting Salary | $79,302 Advertised Salary Range | $79,302 - $99,127 Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC 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.
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 | Director of the Leadership and Service Center
Do you enjoy working with students and building relationships with students, faculty, and staff? Are you student-focused and strive to make an impact every day? Would you like to be part of a team dedicated to improving the student experience? Do you have experience developing and implementing initiatives for student organizations? Do you enjoy keeping the team organized and thinking of all the details necessary to make the team successful? The Director of the Leadership and Service Center will direct and lead all aspects of the Leadership and Service Center, including oversight, strategic vision, leadership, and supervision of the staff to provide a wide range of transformational learning experiences that inspire students’ commitment to leadership and service. These opportunities include leadership education, student organizations, and community engagement initiatives that enhance the student experience and sense of belonging while inspiring a culture of leadership development and service across campus. Primary Duties: Implements a vision that shapes USC’s student life experience by developing programs, services, and partnerships that recruit, retain, and develop students to be leaders on campus and in their communities and careers after graduation. Implements a university commitment to community engagement through visionary oversight of service programs, off-campus living and neighborhood relations, and civic engagement support. Develop a comprehensive vision and strategy through benchmarking, design, and coordination of leadership and community engagement initiatives that provide meaningful beyond the classroom experiences for all student populations at the university. Supervise and support professional staff, student organization advisors, student employees, and undergraduate and graduate student leaders in delivering leadership and community engagement initiatives to members of the university community. Perks:Generous paid time off. An engaging and collaborative on-campus environment Our location is next to the iconic USC Horseshoe, surrounded by amenities, so you’ll love where you work! Opportunities for professional development. Eligible for enrollment in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Working at a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience. 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 | A master’s degree in higher education administration or a related field. Progressively responsible experience with student advisement, staff supervision, budget development, and data collection and assessment; strong background in planning and developing student engagement experiences on a college campus. Strong understanding of student leadership theory and community service principles. Skilled in collaboration, issue resolution, risk mitigation, and managing high-profile student initiatives. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Knowledge of the basic principles and theories of student development, leadership theory and public relations. Ability to identify, develop and teach programs that are on the crest of student involvement theory and practice. Ability to develop budgets and monitor expenditures. Coordinate multiple high level events simultaneously.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Leadership and Student Organizations:Implements a vision that shapes USC’s student life experience by developing programs, services, and partnerships that recruit, retain, and develop students to be leaders on campus and in their communities and careers after graduation. Manages policies, processes, and systems that support over 600 student organizations. Facilitates the annual Student Life Legacy Awards program and scholarship distribution. Ensures all programs and events are seamlessly implemented and represents USC with the highest standards of quality and student satisfaction. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Community Engagement:Implements a university commitment to community engagement through visionary oversight of service programs, off-campus living and neighborhood relations, and civic engagement support. Initiatives require strong communication, engagement, and collaboration with students and campus, community, and academic partners. Community partnerships include but are not limited to non-profit organizations, neighborhood association leaders, property managers, and local government agencies. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Strategic and Financial Management: Develops a comprehensive vision and strategy through benchmarking, design, and coordination of leadership and community engagement initiatives that provide meaningful beyond the classroom experiences for all student populations at the University of South Carolina. Analyze student data, generate annual reports, and prioritize initiatives to ensure Student Life adapts to student trends and best practices in higher education and aligns with the University’s strategic plans. Develop and manage the Center’s annual budget, which consists of multiple funding sources (activity fees, generated income, scholarships, and private funds). Collaborates with Student Affairs Development to develop and maintain relationships with students, alumni, and external stakeholders to advance the student experience. Ensure expenditures are within budget allocations and comply with all university financial and budget policies. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervise and support professional staff, student organization advisors, student employees, and undergraduate and graduate student leaders in delivering leadership and community engagement initiatives to members of the university community. Hires, supervises, and evaluates staff who are responsible for the implementation of assigned programs and services. Partners with staff and students to create a mutually beneficial and collaborative work environment. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Collaboration and Partnerships:Serves as a member of the Student Life Leadership Team, developing and supporting internal and external initiatives. Responsible for fostering and actively seeking strategic partnerships with academic, community, and external partners that promote the LSC’s mission and enhance the USC student experience. Serve on and chair various university and community committees to support leadership development and community engagement for students. This role serves as an institutional representative in addressing emergencies involving students living off campus. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 15Job 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.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No Hazardous weather category | Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1 Desired Start Date | Job Open Date | 06/05/2025 Job Close Date | 07/20/2025 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 byJuly 20, 2025. Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/188574 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
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
List of References and Contact Information
To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes at .
