Assistant to the Department Chair

University of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 41,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement programs

Paid tuition

Annual leave

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Parental leave

Professional development

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 high-level responsibilities, including coordinating the Chair’s calendar, preparing confidential correspondence, and guiding on University policies.

Qualifications

• Typically holds a high school diploma or GED. Requires 2 or more years of job related experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office; MS Excel and MS Word are especially valuable.
• Strong team player with the ability to write clearly and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics for faculty recruitment and search activities.
• Maintain confidential applicant files and records for faculty searches; support search committees.
• Assist with faculty reviews, promotion materials, annual activity records, syllabi collection, and meeting documentation.
• Coordinate departmental seminars, speaker visits, and special events, including travel arrangements and reimbursements.
• Serve as the confidential assistant to the Department Chair; manage calendar, schedule appointments, screen calls and visitors.
• Contribute to special projects and other initiatives for the Department of Biological Sciences.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Team player

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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 November 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
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Professional Development Opportunities

Anticipated Hiring Range We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

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

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Administrative

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.

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00693PO26 Job Family Administrative Support Job Function Administrative Services USC Market Title Administrative Assistant Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/131895 Job Level A3 - Administrative/Operational Support Business Title (Internal Title) Assistant to the Department Chair Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS Biological Sciences State Pay Range G06 USC Market Range MRC - $41,073 $50,315 $59,556 Anticipated Hiring Range We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm with 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 Administrative 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 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 Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Typically holds a high school diploma or GED . Requires 2 or more years of job related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications 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.

Job Duties Job Duty Coordinate logistics for tenure-track faculty recruitment and search activities. Maintain confidential applicant files and records for faculty searches, provide guidance regarding search procedures, coordinate candidate interviews and campus visits, arrange travel accommodations, process reimbursements, and support search committees throughout the recruitment process. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty Coordinate and assist faculty with administrative and academic processes for the Department of Biological Sciences, including Tenure and Promotion, Peer Reviews for tenured, tenure-track, and professional-track faculty, Third-Year Review, Post-Tenure Review, Chaired Professorships, Outside Professional Activities, and the annual collection and management of Resumes of Activity. Maintain departmental academic records through the collection of course syllabi, preparation of faculty review materials, and documentation of faculty meetings through accurate meeting minutes. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty Serve as the confidential assistant to the Department Chair by managing the Chair’s calendar, scheduling appointments and meetings, screening calls and visitors, and coordinating daily administrative operations. Advise the Chair on University and state policies and procedures, prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and other documents, and exercise sound judgment in handling confidential matters. Oversee departmental office operations including mail distribution, room reservations, meeting coordination, and problem resolution to ensure efficient departmental operations. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty Coordinate departmental seminars, speaker visits, and special events by arranging travel, lodging, reimbursements, room reservations, and event logistics. Assist faculty with seminar scheduling, advertising, and the preparation and distribution of seminar, meeting, and event announcements to faculty, staff, students, and external participants. Organize departmental social functions, including catering arrangements, room setup and cleanup, and payment or reimbursement processing for related expenses. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty Contribute to the overall success of the Department of Biological Sciences and the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences by performing additional duties, special projects, and responsibilities as assigned. 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 11/01/2026 Job Open Date 09/17/2026 Job Close Date 11/01/2026 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 November 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 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.