Communications Coordinator

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina’s Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopmental (CAN) Research Center seeks a Communications Coordinator to lead strategic communications and content creation across digital, print, web, and social platforms. You will promote programs, engage diverse audiences, and build partnerships with community stakeholders.

You will manage multimedia content, support donor communications, and translate complex research into accessible materials while collaborating with university

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2+ years of related experience.
• Experience in higher education, research, healthcare, nonprofit, or academic medical centers.
• Familiarity with autism, neurodevelopmental disabilities, neuroscience, psychology, public health, or related fields.
• Experience communicating scientific information to public audiences.
• Experience with graphic design, multimedia content creation, photography, or video production.
• Experience supporting donor relations, fundraising communications, or advancement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Center’s strategic communications plan.
• Create messaging across digital, print, web, and social platforms.
• Coordinate promotion of Center programs and events.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners.
• Collaborate with leadership and university communications offices.
• Contribute to CAN Research Center visibility and partnerships.

Skills

Social media

Digital communications

Graphic design

Multimedia content

Photography

Video production

Email marketing

Content management

Analytics

Writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 13, 2026.

• Schedule may change to meet the needs of the department and Research Center.

Type of Staff Position

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

Basis 12 months

Job Search Category

Job Search Category Other Professional

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.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), 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 UofSC 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.

South Carolina Retirement

South Carolina Retirement Yes

State Insurance Programs

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Communications Coordinator leads the Center’s communications efforts by creating clear, engaging content that highlights its research, clinical, training, and community initiatives. The position manages the Center’s website, social media, newsletters, and marketing materials while promoting programs and events to diverse audiences. The role also builds relationships with community partners, supports strategic outreach, and develops communications processes that strengthen the Center’s visibility and engagement.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 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

• Experience working in higher education, research, healthcare, nonprofit, or academic medical center environments.
• Familiarity with autism, neurodevelopmental disabilities, neuroscience, psychology, public health, or related fields.
• Experience communicating scientific or research-based information to public audiences.
• Experience with graphic design, multimedia content creation, photography, or a video production.
• Experience supporting donor relations, fundraising communications, or advancement initiatives.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience managing organizational social media accounts and digital communications.
• Experience creating content for varied audiences and communication channels.
• Knowledge of email marketing platforms, content management systems, analytics tools, and social media management platforms.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and accessible communications.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Develop and lead the Center’s strategic communications plan, identifying innovative opportunities to enhance the Center’s visibility and impact. Create compelling messaging and storytelling that translates research, clinical, training, and community initiatives into engaging content across digital, print, web, and social media platforms. Continuously assess and refine communications strategies to align with organizational priorities and audience engagement needs.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 40

Job Duty

Develop, produce, and manage marketing and outreach materials, including newsletters, social media content, presentations, promotional materials, and other communications that enhance the Center’s visibility, support donor cultivation efforts, and engage internal and external audiences.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 25

Job Duty

Coordinate the promotion and marketing of Center programs, events, and community engagement activities to increase public awareness, participation, and stakeholder engagement.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty

Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners through ongoing communication, information sharing, and collaborative outreach to strengthen the Center’s strategic partnerships and community engagement efforts.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 10

Job Duty

Participate in Center meetings and collaborate with leadership, faculty, staff, university communications offices, and external partners to ensure consistent, coordinated communications across Center initiatives.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 5

Job Duty

Contribute to the success of the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment ( CAN ) Research Center by performing other duties as assigned in support of the Center’s visibility, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time

Percentage of Time 5

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category

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.

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. No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 11/01/2026

Position End Date

Position End Date 08/31/2027

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/29/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 11/13/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

We are only accepting applications submitted by November 13, 2026.

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 2 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

Required Documents

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

Optional Documents

• Other Supporting Documents