Assistant Director for Communication and Partnerships

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

13 Paid Holidays (including anextended

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking an Assistant Director for Communication and Partnerships to lead all communications, websites, and social media for New Student Orientation. The role also oversees the Orientation Partners Program, developing external funding and in-kind support.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with at least four years of related experience, plus strong writing, design, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, and edit marketing and informational materials for incoming students and families, coordinating with vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Plan and execute marketing and communications strategies across print, email, CRM, social media and web channels.
• Manage the Orientation Partners Program, cultivating campus and community partnerships to support new students.

Skills

Communication

Detail-oriented

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Assistant Director for Communication and Partnerships

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 10, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Professional Development Opportunities

Business Title (Internal Title) Assistant Director for Communication and Partnerships

Campus

Campus Columbia

Work County

College/Division

Department

Department EM New Student Orientation

State Pay Range

State Pay Range G10

USC Market Range

USC Market Range MRG - $58,934 $73,667 $88,401

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $58,934 - $65,000

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm; one hour for lunch.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category Student 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.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director for Communication and Partnerships reports to the Director of New Student Orientation and is responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing all communications, publications, websites, and social media that support New Student Orientation. This role leads the office’s partnership program, including the cultivation, management and retention of external funding and in‑kind support.

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

• Must possess a valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct university orientation experience.
• Master’s degree
• Previous marketing experience including graphic design, video editing, social media and/or photography is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with AP style, Adobe Creative suite, and Mac platform.
• Experience with online digital marketing tools like dashboards and constituent relationship management software is desired.
• Knowledge of emerging trends related to social media tools is desired.
• Experience aligning multiple brand strategies and ideas as well as handling multiple projects by prioritizing and managing time effectively.
• Desktop publishing, editing, and design experience using Mac platform.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of planning and implementing orientation programs for new students and families/supporters.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and skill in working with diverse groups of people.
• Must be able to work independently, while also knowing when to seek guidance.
• Must be a self-starter and adaptive.
• Must demonstrate superior attention to detail.
• Must be able to think strategically and gauge effects of actions/initiatives before implementation.
• Must be able to handle confidential or sensitive situations with poise and professionalism.
• Must relate well to people, have an engaging personality, and be able to speak with confidence before groups.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must represent the University effectively.
• Must be able to interact with new students, and families with empathy, tact, and discretion.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and be able to handle and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must be able to effectively present to groups of varying sizes, provide guidance, support and positive customer service to others and maintain confidentiality of student credentials.
• Must understand budgetary impact of design decisions and provide appropriate guidance during project production to maximize quality output solutions that are also cost effective.
• Must possess keen knowledge of mass communication and graphic design principles, printing industry terminology, and copy editing style.
• Graphic design skills are critical in this role.
• Must handle multiple unrelated tasks simultaneously and prioritize projects in a fast paced environment where both quality and delivery timing directly impact the success of the office’s events.
• Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. and Adobe Creative Suite; InDesign, Photoshop; Illustrator, etc.
• Must be able to cultivate and manage key relationships with internal and external constituents and develop marketing projects collaboratively with key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and tactics and familiarity with digital tactics such as key word placement, SEO , email marketing and web analytics.
• Ability to consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of print and graphic design terminology as well as photojournalism.

Job Duties

• Design, write, and/or edit various marketing and informational / promotional materials that are disseminated to incoming students, families/supporters and campus partners. These materials include but are not limited to brochures, postcards, mailers, logotypes, promotional items, advertisements, fliers, posters, booklets and signage. Prepare and place orders in compliance with all university purchasing regulations. Work with on-campus and external service providers, such as print shops, to ensure quality control, budget adherence, and timely deliveries. Serve as liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders. Plan all marketing and communications strategies and tactics, including print publications, email communications, CRM strategies, social media campaigns, and web-based communications. Maintain positive University presence on all web and social sites, posting original content of interest to new students and their family members, curating relevant content, and responding to social media inquiries from students and families in a timely and personal manner. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30
• Manage and develop the Orientation Partners Program through cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of campus and community partnerships to assist in welcoming new students to the University of South Carolina. Meet with campus and community partners annually to ensure expectations are met. Work with the Office Manager to process invoices and payments. Coordinate the delivery of all marketing materials for the Garnet Guide and orientation supplies. Work with the Coordinator for Training & Development to schedule training opportunities with the Orientation Leaders. Recruit additional partnerships annually. Evaluate and assess the Orientation Partners Program. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20
• Coordinate regular office assessment and data analytics to enhance new student/family member experiences. Interpret data to identify areas of opportunity and implement programmatic change. Create the annual Office of New Student Orientation Impact Report. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
• Supports orientation programming, including day-to-day operations and managing technology during orientation sessions. Serves in a staffing rotation hosting various orientation sessions. Handles customer service and crisis management situations as they arise. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15
• Supervise a Graduate Assistant and Marketing Interns. Meet regularly with them to ensure task completion. Provide feedback. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10
• Assists with the management of Orientation systems and platforms, including, but not limited to VizualZen and Advantage Design Group. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5
• Serves on various university committees or performs other duties as assigned by the Director of New Student Orientation. Continues developing the national reputation of USC’s orientation programs by presenting at meetings, publishing, corresponding with other professionals, and researching orientation related topics. 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 09/11/2026 Job Close Date 10/10/2026 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 10, 2026.

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
• * Describe an experience that highlights your communications experience and attention to detail.
  (Open Ended Question)
• * What is your philosophy or approach to collaborating with people from various backgrounds and experiences?
  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents