AD Academic Affairs Comm

Inside Higher Ed; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 59,581 - 89,371; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Columbia, SC is seeking an Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications to develop an integrated communications strategy for its Office of the Provost. The role involves creating engaging content, managing social media strategies, and consulting on effective communications for various academic units. Candidates should possess a related bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience, preferably within higher education. This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $59,581, offering the possibility of a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related job experience or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
• Experience in a client-facing content strategy, marketing, or public relations role preferred.
• Prior experience within higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce cross-channel content for the Office of the Provost.
• Oversee social media accounts and maximize engagement.
• Manage communications projects including marketing and public relations.
• Prepare executive-level communications and public statements.
• Provide communications consulting to reporting units.

Skills

Content creation

Project management

Social media strategy

Verbal communication

AP style knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Content management software

Social media platforms

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications (AD Academic Affairs Comm)

Posting Number: STA00932PO25

Location: Columbia, SC

Job Family: Communications and Marketing

Job Function: General Communications

Job Level: P4 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title): AD Academic Affairs Comm

Campus: Columbia

College/Division: Communications

Department: COMM Provost Academic News

State Pay Band: 7

Approved Starting Salary: $59,581

Advertised Salary Range: $59,581 - $89,371

Work Schedule: Standard work hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with one hour lunch. Flexible schedule may be required.

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Academic Affairs Communications develops and executes the integrated communications strategy for the Office of the Provost, promoting major initiatives, academic excellence across colleges, signature events, and core functions of the Office to key campus constituents and peers at other national higher education institutions. The role provides communications guidance and strategic support to the 20+ units reporting to the Office of the Provost and offers executive communications support to the Provost. Collaboration with academic communications managers across the institution is essential. The Associate Director works under general supervision of the AVP for University Communications and guidance from senior staff within the Office of the Provost.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Content Strategy and Creation: Develop and produce cross‑channel content (web stories, newsletters, press releases, social media content, calendar items), write and edit long and short form stories, and create multimedia content for the Office of the Provost.
• Social Media Strategy and Management: Oversee the Office of the Provost’s social media accounts; develop content and strategies to maximize engagement with faculty and students; advise individual units on social media best practices.
• Account Executive/Project Manager: Provide oversight and management of communications projects, including strategic marketing, event promotion, web design and development, content strategy, public relations, design and creative services, printing services and vendor management.
• Executive Communications: Research and prepare executive‑level communications and public statements for the Office of the Provost; ensure communications mirror institutional priorities.
• Communications Consulting: Offer guidance for effective communications to Office of the Provost reporting units; collaborate with University Communications and the Brand Collaborative.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 4+ years of job‑related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job‑related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a client‑facing content strategy, marketing or public relations role; prior experience within higher education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to create engaging written content across platforms.
• Proficiency in content management software, social media platforms, web analytics, and social media monitoring.
• Knowledge of AP style and self‑editing skills.
• Strong organization, initiative, and self‑starter mentality.
• Project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with disparate units.
• Problem‑solving skills through creativity, strategic thought, and planning.
• Commitment to professional development, staying current on marketing and public relations trends.

Additional Information

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Open Date: 11/25/2025

Job Close Date: 12/15/2025

Open Until Filled: No

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. The University is making veterans a priority for employment and recognizes their vital contributions.

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, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.