University of South Carolina is hiring a Senior Advisor for Community Engagement. This role provides support services to international students, scholars, faculty, and their dependents focusing on off-campus needs such as housing, legal referrals, and family support. The advisor facilitates integration into the local community through collaboration with campus units and community partners, promoting a holistic experience from arrival to successful adaptation at USC.
Highlights
Provide comprehensive arrival, housing, and family support services for international students, scholars, and faculty.
Liaise with local housing providers, mediate roommate and landlord issues, and coordinate transportation for arrivals and departures.
Offer referrals and support for legal matters and medical/wellness care relevant to the international community.
Assist with K-12 school enrollment and foster partnerships with local organizations to enhance family support programs.
Collaborate with International Student and Scholar Support (ISSS) team on campus cultural programming.
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred skills include excellent communication, problem-solving, cultural awareness, and familiarity with USC campus and Columbia community.
Starting salary range is $49,396 to $60,000 with full-time, 12-month appointment and standard weekday work schedule.
Supports diverse international population but does not include immigration advising.
Engages with multiple stakeholders including campus units, local property managers, schools, healthcare providers, legal aid organizations, and community groups.
Senior Advisor for Community Engagement 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 by January 18, 2026.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00987PO25 Job Family | Enrollment Management Job Function | Student Services USC Market Title | Student Services Program Coordinator Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132683 Job Level | P3 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) | Senior Advisor for Community Engagement Campus | Columbia Work County | Richland College/Division | Division of Academic Affairs and Provost Department | PROV Global Carolina State Pay Band | 6 Approved Starting Salary | $49,396 Advertised Salary Range | $49,396-$60,000 Location of Vacancy | Part/Full Time | Full Time Hours per Week | 37.5 Work Schedule | Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm 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.
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.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | The Senior Advisor for Community Engagement is a professional role within the Division of International Student and Scholar Support that provides support services to international students, scholars, faculty, and their dependents, with a focus on off-campus needs. This position offers resources to help international population members navigate unfamiliar U.S. systems and support their arrival, onboarding, and transition to USC. Aligned with the Global Carolina mission and goals, this role emphasizes holistic support—from initial arrival to USC and Columbia to successful integration into the local community—to ensure international students and personnel feel connected, supported, and prepared for success.This position delivers high-touch, service-oriented support and requires strong collaboration across campus units. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be needed for arrivals, welcome events, or community gatherings. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic university setting, values cultural diversity and inclusion, and is committed to enhancing the global talent experience at USC.This role does not include immigration advising. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 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 | Excellent communication skills—including active listening, clear verbal communication, and strong writing abilities—to effectively support diverse faculty, staff, and international student population, many of whom are non-native English speakers Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex or sensitive situations with professionalism, cultural awareness, and sound judgment In-depth knowledge of the USC campus and the surrounding community, including Five Points, Downtown Columbia, and Richland and Lexington Counties Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with campus partners, local organizations, and community resource providers Experience working in multicultural or international contexts, preferably within a higher education environment Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public, campus partners, and community organizations Capacity to work proactively and collaboratively as a contributing team member within the ISSS Division and Global Carolina Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, succinctly, and sensitively to a culturally diverse clientele Knowledge of community engagement practices, cultural adaptation challenges, and common support needs for international populations Ability to provide guidance on complex topics such as U.S. healthcare systems, cultural adjustment to life in South Carolina and the United States, and navigating the local campus and community Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion
Job Duties
Job Duty | Arrival/Housing Support:Provides comprehensive support for USC’s international students, scholars, and faculty, helping them navigate off-campus housing, settlement, and integration into the Columbia community. Serves as liaison to local property management companies and landlords, advocating for the housing needs of USC’s international population Assists with locating safe, affordable, and appropriate housing; coordinates short-term housing solutions Mediates roommate issues and addresses minor landlord concerns or disputes Oversees international student host family placements and related programming Coordinates airport transportation for arrivals and departures as needed Supports international faculty and their families with housing, driver’s license and vehicle registration, banking, utilities, school and childcare selection, and transportation/commuting logistics Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Family Support Services:Provides referral and support services for USC’s international population, focusing on spouses, children, and dependents. Coordinates education, health, and settlement resources while building partnerships to enhance family support. Assists with K–12 school enrollment and education inquiries Schedules and facilitates home visits with local school districts Provides referrals for medical and wellness care (OBGYN, pediatric, primary care) Coordinates international student storage options as needed Builds relationships with organizations supporting international students, faculty, and their families Maintains updated resource lists and community connections Identifies service gaps and proposes new initiatives to enhance family support programs Collaborates with campus and community partners to expand services Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Legal Services:Connects USC’s international community with legal resources and support for civil and minor legal matters. Provides referrals to qualified local legal representatives Offers support through legal processes and court procedures as appropriate Accompanies individuals to court when feasible Coordinates community service arrangements as needed Maintains updated listings of legal aid providers and community resources Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Campus Programming and ISSS Team Support:Assists ISSS team members with campus cultural programing designed and delivered specifically for the USC international community, including family dependents. 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 | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1 Desired Start Date | Job Open Date | 12/18/2025 Job Close Date | 01/18/2026 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 January 18, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/200316 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 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
