Director of Executive Communications

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00712PO26 Job Family Communications and Marketing Job Function Executive Communication USC Market Title Executive Communications Manager Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132383 Job Level P4 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) Director of Executive Communications Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Communications Department COMM Presidential Communications State Pay Range G12 USC Market Range MRK - $86,515 $110,307 $134,098 Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

• Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm with one hour for lunch.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in support of office needs.

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.

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 Director of Executive Communications leads efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the University of South Carolina's eight-campus system as well as the president's leadership in addressing major trends in the state and national higher education landscape.

The director develops clear, compelling and authentic communications that advance the president's vision while strengthening USC's institutional reputation with internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Office of University Communications, the director works closely with key leadership from other units across the university to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated institutional messaging.

The director must value creative, engaging communications and storytelling; have a desire to advance the cause of public higher education; and have a curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, the director will maintain awareness of state and national current events and demonstrate the ability to recognize opportunities for the president to engage at the of the public discourse and higher education.

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

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, journalism, public affairs, public relations or a related field.
• Experience supporting a president, chief executive, elected official or other senior leader.
• Experience in higher education, research institutions, government, nonprofit organizations or other complex mission-driven environments.
• Experience writing op-eds, keynote speeches, public remarks and digital content for senior executives.
• Familiarity with issues affecting higher education, research, public policy and economic development.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to write in an executive voice for diverse audiences.
• Strong judgment, discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, meet tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a rapid-response, team environment.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Writing:

Serves as the president's primary writer for speeches, remarks, talking points, video scripts, presentations and other public-facing communications. This includes drafting, editing and managing executive correspondence, including messages to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders and partners. The director also develops op-eds, essays, statements, social media posts, articles and other thought-leadership content that articulate the president's perspective, that advance the university's priorities, and that position the president as a leading voice in higher education and public service. The director must maintain a strong understanding of the president's voice, priorities and leadership style, while ensuring communications reflect the values and mission of the university.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty

Research:

Research institutional, regional and national issues; synthesize complex information into concise, accurate and audience-appropriate communications. This requires close collaboration with other administrative across the university to ensure accuracy and consistency ion university messaging. The director also prepares briefing materials, message frameworks, background documents and talking points for meetings, interviews, events and travel.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Strategic Planning:

Manages editorial calendars, review processes and deadlines for executive communications projects. The director also collaborates with other campus units to coordinate the president's role in major institutional events. Identifies future opportunities to feature the president's stewardship on USC across multiple platforms.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Other:

Accepts and performs other related duties as requested. Engages in special projects and/or university initiatives as requested.

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 Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Job Open Date 09/24/2026 Job Close Date 10/22/2026 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 October 22, 2026.

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/213621 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents