Executive Assistant

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Professional Development

Job summary

The University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to senior leadership within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, coordinating daily operations, strategic initiatives, and college-wide programs.

The role supports the Vice Dean and other leaders in managing schedules, meetings, travel, budgets, and communications, serving as a key liaison with internal and external constituents to enhance program visibility

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience.
• Experience in university administration preferred.
• Ability to manage complex calendars and events.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex calendars and travel arrangements.
• Coordinate meetings and events for senior leadership.
• Prepare reports and assist with budget and financial processes.

Skills

MS Word & Excel

Google Suite & Outlook

Project management

Budget management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Zoom/Teams

Outlook

Job description

Executive AssistantDepartment: CAS College of Arts and SciencesAdvertised Salary Range:Part/Full Time: Full TimeAbout UofSCFrom 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 StatementAdvertised Job SummaryThe Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to senior leadership within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, ensuring the efficient coordination of daily operations, strategic initiatives, and collegewide programs. This role assists the Vice Dean, Assistant Dean of Finance and Operations, and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Development in managing complex schedules, calendars, meeting and event logistics, travel. communications, and financial processes, while serving as a key liaison for internal and external constituencies.The Executive Assistant contributes to the success of graduate education, faculty development, and leadership development programming by coordinating and supporting a wide range of activities and initiatives. The role involves compiling data, generating reports, and assisting with policy review and implementation to support strategic planning and continuous improvement. Through these efforts, the Executive Assistant plays a key role in enhancing the visibility, impact, and operational effectiveness of college programs and priorities.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software or database management systems. Experienced in Google suite, Outlook and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or Teams. Strong organizational, strategic problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Detail-oriented with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience in developing and managing budgets.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment. Knowledge of office procedures, practices and equipment. Ability to understand university policies and procedures that pertain to the position. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects with competing priorities and continuity in maintaining administrative processes. Ability to prioritize tasks to optimize time and efficiency.
• Present oneself in a professional manner, as defined by engaging with University students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and community members in a manner that is respectful and courteous, with knowledgeable communication and competent operation.
• Attire is expected to be suitable for the duties of the day such as daily operation, event set-up, and/or attending formal events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of constituents and in a collegial team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
• An equivalency may include an Associate's degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or a High School diploma and 9 years of relevant experience.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion event planning, project management and communications experience preferred.
• General office and/or University of South Carolina experience.

Job Close Date10/15/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Candidates selected for an in-person interview will complete a brief writing and proofreading exercise to demonstrate skills relevant to the position. The exercise will assess attention to detail, grammar and accuracy, proofreading and editing, and the ability to produce clear, polished, professional correspondence appropriate for senior leadership.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 15, 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

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.