University of South Carolina
Lead Researcher and Writer
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $54K
💻 Other
🗓️ September 1st, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Lead Researcher and Writer. This role leads strategic communications, historical research, and narrative development to enhance the Center's mission and public impact, providing high-level writing and editorial support to the Executive Director. The position involves producing diverse content including speeches, scholarly publications, exhibits, podcasts, and educational materials, and collaborating with various staff to maintain communication consistency and alignment with the Center's goals.
Highlights
- Lead strategic communications and narrative development for the Center.
- Provide executive writing and editorial support including speeches, opinion columns, and scholarly works.
- Conduct archival, oral history, and secondary research to support Center initiatives.
- Develop content for exhibits, oral histories, podcasts, and multimedia projects.
- Collaborate with Assistant Director for History, Research and Education and Communications Manager.
- Strong knowledge required in African American history and civil rights movement.
- Preferred qualifications include ABD or Ph.D. in History, Public History, African American Studies, Journalism, Communications, or related discipline.
- Requires bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Salary range starting at $54,165, commensurate with qualifications.
- Support institutional outreach, event communications, and maintain alignment with Center’s brand and mission.
Lead Researcher and Writer Full Description
Lead Researcher and Writer
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 September 5,2025.
Posting Details
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Posting Summary
Logo |
Posting Number | RTF00190PO25
USC Market Title | Writer
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/194023
Business Title (Internal Title) | Lead Researcher and Writer
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department | PROV Civil Rights Center
Advertised Salary Range | $54,165 - Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | The typical work hours are 9 am to 5 pm. M-F. The schedule could be subject to change for events that fulfill the needs of the Center.
Type of Staff Position | Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Communication Services
Posting Number | RTF00190PO25
USC Market Title | Writer
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/194023
Business Title (Internal Title) | Lead Researcher and Writer
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Department | PROV Civil Rights Center
Advertised Salary Range | $54,165 - Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy | Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | The typical work hours are 9 am to 5 pm. M-F. The schedule could be subject to change for events that fulfill the needs of the Center.
Type of Staff Position | Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
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.
Inclusive Excellence Statement | At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Inclusive Excellence Statement | At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), 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 UofSC 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 (UofSC), 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 UofSC 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.
South Carolina Retirement | No
State Insurance Programs | Yes
Annual Leave | Yes
Sick Leave | Yes
State Insurance Programs | Yes
Annual Leave | Yes
Sick Leave | Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | The Lead Researcher and Writer spearheads strategic communications, historical research, and narrative development to amplify the Center’s mission, vision, and public impact. This role provides high-level writing and editorial support to the Executive Director, enhancing the Center’s visibility through speeches, opinion columns, scholarly publications, reports, exhibits, podcasts, and educational content. In collaboration with the Assistant Director for History, Research and Education and the Communications Manager, the Lead Researcher and Writer researches and develops a broad range of materials—including content for exhibits, oral histories, and multimedia projects.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 4 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 | ABD or Ph.D. In History, Public History, African American Studies, Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline. At least 5 years of professional experience in research, writing, and strategic communications. Experience in civil rights history or African American history, particularly in the American South. Familiarity with university communications, museum exhibitions, or public history initiatives. Demonstrated ability to produce concise, high-impact content such as briefing documents, one-pagers, and editorial columns.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Extensive knowledge of African American history and the civil rights movement. Ability to lead and support strategic messaging efforts with clarity Excellent research, writing, and editing skills across academic and public-facing formats. Familiarity with brand standards, media strategy, and public history communication tools. Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. Attention to detail and commitment to ethical and inclusive storytelling.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 4 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 | ABD or Ph.D. In History, Public History, African American Studies, Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline. At least 5 years of professional experience in research, writing, and strategic communications. Experience in civil rights history or African American history, particularly in the American South. Familiarity with university communications, museum exhibitions, or public history initiatives. Demonstrated ability to produce concise, high-impact content such as briefing documents, one-pagers, and editorial columns.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Extensive knowledge of African American history and the civil rights movement. Ability to lead and support strategic messaging efforts with clarity Excellent research, writing, and editing skills across academic and public-facing formats. Familiarity with brand standards, media strategy, and public history communication tools. Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills. Attention to detail and commitment to ethical and inclusive storytelling.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Research and Executive Editorial Support Conduct archival, oral history, and secondary research to support the Center’s programs and leadership priorities. Translate complex historical research into accessible written materials for diverse audiences. Draft and edit executive communications, commemorative statements, grant narratives, and educational toolkits. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and editorial excellence in all written materials produced for internal and external use.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Programmatic and Public History Contributions Collaborate with the Assistant Director for History, Research and Education to develop interpretive content for exhibitions and public history projects. Contribute research and writing to podcasts, oral history projects, and documentary scripts. Support development of materials related to the African American Civil Rights Network (AACRN) and other grant-funded initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Strategic Communications and Messaging Lead and support strategic communications efforts for the Center, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and public history best practices. Assist in crafting executive speeches, op-eds, press releases, policy briefings, and institutional reports. Research and draft speeches, scholarly publications, donor correspondence, and strategic planning documents. Collaborate with university communications and government relations teams as needed. Offer guidance on messaging strategies to ensure consistency with the Center’s values and goals.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Institutional Outreach and Event Support Support the Communications Manager in executing CRC press releases, newsletters, communications calendar, and public events. Assist with drafting, editing, and reviewing content for the CRC’s website, social media platforms, and promotional materials. Help prepare briefing materials and background research for visiting scholars, community partners, and special guests. Participate in planning sessions and provide content development and editorial support across Center initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Programmatic and Public History Contributions Collaborate with the Assistant Director for History, Research and Education to develop interpretive content for exhibitions and public history projects. Contribute research and writing to podcasts, oral history projects, and documentary scripts. Support development of materials related to the African American Civil Rights Network (AACRN) and other grant-funded initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Strategic Communications and Messaging Lead and support strategic communications efforts for the Center, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and public history best practices. Assist in crafting executive speeches, op-eds, press releases, policy briefings, and institutional reports. Research and draft speeches, scholarly publications, donor correspondence, and strategic planning documents. Collaborate with university communications and government relations teams as needed. Offer guidance on messaging strategies to ensure consistency with the Center’s values and goals.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Institutional Outreach and Event Support Support the Communications Manager in executing CRC press releases, newsletters, communications calendar, and public events. Assist with drafting, editing, and reviewing content for the CRC’s website, social media platforms, and promotional materials. Help prepare briefing materials and background research for visiting scholars, community partners, and special guests. Participate in planning sessions and provide content development and editorial support across Center initiatives.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
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. | No
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. | No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 09/15/2025
Position End Date | 08/31/2027
Job Open Date | 08/29/2025
Job Close Date | 09/05/2025
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 September 5,2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/194032
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 | 09/15/2025
Position End Date | 08/31/2027
Job Open Date | 08/29/2025
Job Close Date | 09/05/2025
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 September 5,2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/194032
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 4 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
- * Will you have a Ph.D. in hand by the date of appointment or an advanced ABD by the date of the appointment?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Other Supporting Documents
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