Director of Executive Communications

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; 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 Director of Executive Communications leads efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the University of South Carolina system across eight campuses, shaping messaging for internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Office of University Communications, the director collaborates with university leaders to ensure accurate, coordinated communications.

The role values creative storytelling and a commitment to lifelong learning in a demanding higher-education landscape.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, journalism, public affairs or related field.
• Experience supporting a president or senior leader.
• Experience in higher education, research institutions, government, nonprofit organizations or other mission-driven environments.
• Experience writing op-eds, keynote speeches, public remarks and digital content for senior executives.
• Familiarity with issues affecting higher education, research, public policy and economic development.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the USC system across eight campuses.
• Develop clear, compelling communications that advance the president's vision.
• Coordinate messaging with key leadership and units for accuracy and consistency.
• Value creative storytelling and lifelong learning in professional development.
• Maintain awareness of state and national events to identify opportunities for engagement.

Skills

Executive communications

Speechwriting

Storytelling

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Director of Executive Communications Department: COMM Presidential Communications Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

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.

Advertised Job Summary

The Director of Executive Communications leads efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the University of South Carolina's eight-campus system as well as the president's leadership in addressing major trends in the state and national higher education landscape. The director develops clear, compelling and authentic communications that advance the president's vision while strengthening USC's institutional reputation with internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Office of University Communications, the director works closely with key leadership from other units across the university to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated institutional messaging. The director must value creative, engaging communications and storytelling; have a desire to advance the cause of public higher education; and have a curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, the director will maintain awareness of state and national current events and demonstrate the ability to recognize opportunities for the president to engage at the of the public discourse and higher education.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to write in an executive voice for diverse audiences.


• Strong judgment, discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.


• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, meet tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff and external stakeholders.


• Ability to work in a rapid-response, team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent professional experience.


• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, journalism, public affairs, public relations or a related field.


• Experience supporting a president, chief executive, elected official or other senior leader.


• Experience in higher education, research institutions, government, nonprofit organizations or other complex mission-driven environments.


• Experience writing op-eds, keynote speeches, public remarks and digital content for senior executives.


• Familiarity with issues affecting higher education, research, public policy and economic development.

Job Close Date

10/22/2026

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 22, 2026.

Benefits

• 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

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.