Dir Workforce Opportunities

The University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

SKILLS

Animal Care, Best Practices, Candidate Pipeline, Database Technology, Funding, Grant Writing, Job Fairs, Leadership, Logistics, Mathematics, Military, Online Training, Organizational Skills, Project Tracking, Project/Program Coordination, Proposal Development, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Record Keeping, Research Grants, Team Player, Training Program Development, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, United States Department of Energy (DOE)

LOCATION

Columbia, SC

POSTED

Today

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number
STA00398PO26

Job Family
Community and Social Service

Job Function
Community Engagement/Outreach

USC Market Title
Education Specialist

Link to USC Market Title

Job Level
P2 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title)
Dir Workforce Opportunities

Campus
Aiken

Work County
Aiken

College/Division
USC Aiken College/Division Level

Department
AIK Ruth Patrick Science Ed. Center

State Pay Range
G08

USC Market Range
MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653

Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
37.5

Work Schedule

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 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 K-12 Workforce Opportunities (Prog Coord I), Minimum Salary: $48,726, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC) at USCA

The Director of K-12 Workforce Opportunities is responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating, teaching and evaluating all aspects of a dynamic, interactive, STEM educational program in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for students and teachers in the CSRA. A main goal for this position is to provide engaging programming to encourage young people to consider STEM careers that will expand the high demand workforce talent pipeline needed throughout the Central Savannah River Area. This position will work with area schools to promote workforce development by supporting and participating in career activities at schools.

The motto of the RPSEC is, "Infusing a Love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" and seeks to do so for people of all ages. The RPSEC is a cooperative effort between the University of South Carolina Aiken, business, industry, and schools in the Central Savannah River Area of South Carolina and Georgia. A major focus of the RPSEC is to serve as the outreach arm of USC Aiken to K-12 schools in the region. Students participate in field trips where they engage in a variety of captivating, standards-based educational programs to support STEM. In addition to its focus on the K-12 community, the RPSEC also has a significant educational mission to serve the general public through special educational activities and events.

The Director of K-12 Workforce Opportunities will concentrate on growing and educating the next generation of workforce personnel by integrating best practices for delivering STEM instruction in the K-12 setting. The Director of K-12 Workforce Opportunities will teach innovative STEM lessons, enhance existing lessons, and develop new education programs. Teaching will include all areas of STEM education including working with and caring for live animals used in educational settings including birds, reptiles and amphibians. They will work with others to coordinate student programs, teacher workshops/courses, and summer camps. They will partner with others to coordinate and arrange special programs and outreach events. They will coordinate and participate in workforce and career exploration activities at the RPSEC, partner sites, and local schools.

The Director of K-12 Workforce Opportunities will have excellent leadership ability, strong public relations skills, computer competency, and outstanding organizational abilities. This person will have experience working with youth and adults; knowledge of basic education principles, principles of instruction, curriculum development and theories; knowledge of modern management techniques and principles; the ability to maintain an orderly classroom and render individualized instruction; and the ability to maintain effective relationships with students, principals, parents, coworkers and the general public. Opportunities for instruction include programs at the RPSEC and outdoor field experiences held at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, Bridgestone Aiken County Plants, Silver Bluff Audubon Center, and Hopelands Gardens. Opportunities for outreach will include partnering with local schools to serve career activities including career fairs. The Director of K-12 Workforce Opportunities will also teach courses or workshops for teachers and write grants.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Preferred: Master's degree and 3 years teaching experience, or bachelor's degree and 5 years teaching experience. Experience with career counseling or career exploration especially related to STEM. Experience working with youth and adults. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Application deadline: June 30, 2026. USCA is an AA/EOE. We strive to cultivate an environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of all individuals.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 2 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

Master's degree and 3 years teaching experience, or bachelor's degree and 5 years teaching experience. Experience with career counseling or career exploration especially related to STEM. Experience working with youth and adults.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of basic education principles, principles of instruction, curriculum development and theories. Knowledge of modern management techniques and principles. Knowledge of learning disabilities and handicaps. Ability to maintain an orderly classroom environment and render individualized instruction. Ability to maintain effective relationships with students, principals, parents, coworkers and the general public. . Knowledge of the principles of animal care and ability to handle wild animals. Demonstrated leadership, strong public relations skills, computer competency, outstanding organizational abilities.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Teaching: Effectively teach innovative, science, mathematics and technology lessons for K-12 students in the CSRA. Teach courses and workshops for teachers. Offer programs at RPSEC, SRS, Hopelands Gardens, Silver Bluff Audubon Center, and Bridgestone plants. Coordinate student activities throughout the year, including summer activities. Provide an underlying focus of how STEM education may lead to workforce opportunities in regional careers.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
35

Job Duty

Program Development and Enhancement: Develop workforce- and career-focused activities that enhance programs offered through the RPSEC. Work with area schools to promote workforce development by supporting and participating in career activities at schools. Develop new lessons and enhance existing lessons to be delivered for students attending various programs offered through the RPSEC. Develop and enhance programs for teachers including courses and workshops. Develop and enhance programs for special events and the general public.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
25

Job Duty

Program Coordination: Coordinate and deliver programs at RPSEC and local schools to emphasize how STEM education can develop the future workforce and prepare for local careers. Collaborate with RPSEC personnel with scheduling and logistics. Support the development and publishing of student programs information annually. Help to coordinate the schedule of student program reservations and visits through the RPSEC database system. Coordinate student program activities throughout the year. Complete paperwork, track projects and keep records. Maintain orderly workplace.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
20

Job Duty

Special activities: Assist with planning, coordinating, teaching and implementing special programs such as career fairs, family nights, Earth Day, SEED, STEM Festivals and others. Special program may be held at RPSEC, local schools, SRS, Bridgestone Plants, Hopelands Gardens, and Silver Bluff Audubon Center.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

External Funding: Engage in networking with members of the community and grant writing activity that will provide sources of external funding. Identify potential sources of funding and participate in the proposal development. Write or participate in writing a major grant proposal totaling at least $50,000. Provide appropriate oversight and work to support grant projects that have been funded.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
5

Job Duty

Perform other duties as determined by the RPSEC Director.

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
Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date

Job Open Date
06/02/2026

Job Close Date
06/30/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicant

In addition to completing the online application, please also upload your resume and a separate cover letter.

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 June 30, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting

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.

About the Company

The University of South Carolina

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