Assistant to the Department Chair

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The University of South Carolina's Department of Biological Sciences seeks an Administrative Assistant to support the Department Chair and faculty, staff, and students. You will manage the Chair's calendar, prepare confidential materials, and help ensure smooth daily operations.

This role requires discretion, organizational strengths, and good communication. You will coordinate faculty reviews, recruitment processes, travel arrangements, seminars, and campus visits, while upholding university

Qualifications

• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Strong teamwork and ability to work with diverse staff.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Initiative, problem-solving, and ability to improve processes.
• Thorough knowledge of University Policy and Procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Department Chair's calendar and meetings.
• Prepare confidential correspondence and records.
• Support faculty reviews, promotions materials, and annual activity records.
• Assist with faculty recruitment, candidate interviews, and campus visits.
• Arrange travel and reimbursements, seminars, guest talks and events.
• Contribute to special projects for the Department.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Strong teamwork

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Customer service

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Policy knowledge

Independent judgment

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Assistant to the Department Chair Department: CAS Biological Sciences Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time About UofSC 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.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary The Administrative Assistant plays a key role in supporting the leadership and daily operations of the Department of Biological Sciences, serving as the confidential assistant to the Department Chair and a central administrative resource for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This position manages a variety of high-level administrative responsibilities, including coordinating the Chair's calendar and meetings, preparing and maintaining confidential correspondence and records, providing guidance on University and state policies and procedures, and supporting efficient office operations. The Administrative Assistant also coordinates important faculty and academic processes, including faculty reviews, promotion materials, annual activity records, syllabi collection, and faculty meeting documentation. In addition, this position plays an integral role in faculty recruitment and departmental engagement by coordinating candidate interviews and campus visits, travel arrangements and reimbursements, departmental seminars, guest speaker visits, social events, and related communications. This position is ideal for a highly organized, resourceful, and service-oriented professional who enjoys working in a collaborative academic environment, managing multiple priorities, and providing exceptional administrative support. The Administrative Assistant also contributes to special projects and other initiatives that support the Department of Biological Sciences and the McCausland College of Arts & Sciences.

Job Close Date 11/01/2026

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

EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel and MS Word, in particular).
• Strong team player skills and the ability to work harmoniously with a diverse workforce is a must.
• Have writing skills sufficient to compose and edit a variety of documents using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with the ability to pay close attention to detail and proofread work carefully.
• Good organizational, time management, customer service and problem-solving skills and the ability to work accurately and meet deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• Work requires initiative and independent judgment. Be proactive and creative, identifying process improvement opportunities.
• Ability to possess thorough knowledge of University Policy and Procedures.
• Can handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.