Manager of Communications

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Paid tuition

Dependent scholarships

Annual leave

Sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking a Manager of Communications in Columbia to lead storytelling and media relations for the College of Nursing. The role coordinates website updates, writes news stories, and manages digital communications to enhance the college’s reputation and reach.

You will oversee the monthly newsletter, track analytics, and support design and public relations initiatives, reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Relations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social media platforms, digital communications, and audience engagement best practices.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills; AP style preferred.
• Ability to develop engaging content and graphics for web and social media.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates website updates and copy edits for the college’s site; publishes 2–3 news stories monthly.
• Manages the college’s monthly e-newsletter and analyzes performance metrics.
• Supports design, marketing and public relations initiatives and project coordination.

Skills

Social media management

Digital communications

AP Style

Copywriting

Editing

Graphic design

Video production

Analytics

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Content Management System (CMS)

Job description

Manager of Communications

• 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

Posting Number | STA00552PO26

Job Family | Communications and Marketing

Job Function | Communication & PR

USC Market Title | Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Job Level | P2 - Professional

Business Title (Internal Title) | Manager of Communications

Campus | Columbia

Work County | Richland

College/Division | College of Nursing

Department | CON Communications

State Pay Range | G09

USC Market Range | MRF - $52,526 $65,658 $78,789

Anticipated Hiring Range | $56,000.00

Part/Full Time | Full Time

Hours per Week | 37.5

Work Schedule | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Mon-Fri 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 | Communication Services

Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132375

About USC

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 does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

The Communications Manager serves as a key member of the College of Nursing’s Communications Unit, developing and coordinating communications initiatives across the college’s marketing and media channels to increase awareness and engagement. This position supports the college’s mission by sharing stories that highlight its impact in education, research, practice and service. The Communications Manager ensures consistent messaging and branding aligned with college and university strategic priorities and reports to the Director of Communications and Public Relations under limited supervision.

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, healthcare, or a similarly complex organization is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of social media platforms, digital communications, and audience engagement best practices. Experience developing communications that supports institutional reputation, storytelling, and community engagement. Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills; knowledge of AP Style preferred. Creative self-starter with the ability to develop engaging content and graphics for web and social media. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, web content management systems, and other digital communication tools. Familiarity with photography, video, and multimedia content development. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and PC and/or Mac operating systems. Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities. Ability to analyze performance metrics and apply insights to improve communications efforts. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community partners. Collaborative, detail-oriented professional who demonstrates initiative, problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Job Duties

• Communications Content & Publications: Coordinates website updates and performs regular reviews to maintain the college’s website, including copy edits, visual updates, and additions that adhere to university policies. Writes and publishes 2–3 news stories and other public-facing communications each month highlighting the college’s programs, achievements, faculty expertise, and strategic priorities for distribution through online and print channels. Develops and manages the college’s monthly e-newsletter, oversees subscriber lists and optimizes messaging based on performance metrics. Ensures digital communications meet accessibility standards (ADA) and university policies. Tracks analytics across digital platforms, prepares regular reports, and provides recommendations for communications strategies, messaging, and audience engagement based on performance data, emerging trends, and organizational priorities. (Essential Function: Yes; Percentage of Time: 30)
• Social Media Strategy & Management: Manages day‑to‑day social media communications and publishing across the college’s social media platforms. Plans, schedules, and evaluates content aligned with college communications goals and platform best practices. Monitors engagement and identifies opportunities for audience interaction and issue awareness. Supports event coverage and contributes to communications planning based on performance data and emerging trends. (Essential Function: Yes; Percentage of Time: 25)
• Marketing Communications & Project Coordination: Provides support for design, marketing and public relations initiatives, including development