Program Coordinator

University of South Carolina; Georgetown (SC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Job summary

University of South Carolina in Georgetown, SC seeks a Project Manager to advance strategic initiatives at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences.

This role collaborates with Institute leadership, faculty, and partners to translate priorities into actionable plans and to drive growth, partnerships, and visibility. The successful candidate will coordinate planning sessions, support grant applications, manage communications, and help launch a new residential academic

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience.
• Education may be substituted by equivalent certification, training, or experience.
• Preferred qualifications include research experience in marine science or coastal ecology.
• Experience coordinating logistics for research initiatives or academic programs.
• Experience in academic program or project management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Special Initiatives: coordinate high-priority projects and draft communications to engage stakeholders.
• Proposal Development and Funding Support: assist in preparing grant applications and briefing materials.
• Support for Scientific Symposia and Programming: plan Hobcaw Symposium and related events.
• Residential Academic Program Support: assist with planning for a new residential program and recruitment materials.
• Other Duties as Assigned: perform additional duties to support department operations.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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 17, 2026.

Department CAS Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences

Anticipated Hiring Range $62,500

Location of Vacancy Georgetown, SC

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
• Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college and Institute.

Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis 12 months

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 Yes

State Insurance Programs Yes

Annual Leave Yes

Sick Leave Yes

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Be part of an exciting period of growth and innovation at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences. The Project Manager will work closely with Institute leadership to advance high-impact strategic and operational initiatives that strengthen the Institute’s programs, partnerships, and visibility.

This dynamic role will support strategic planning, coordinate symposia and special events, facilitate internal and external communications, and play an integral role in the development and launch of a new residential academic program. Working collaboratively with Institute leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners, the Project Manager will help transform strategic priorities into coordinated action and contribute to initiatives that advance the Institute’s mission in marine and coastal research, education, and engagement.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 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

• In addition to the required education and experience, preference will be given to applicants with research experience in marine science or coastal ecology.
• Experience coordinating logistics for the success of research initiatives or academic programs.
• Experience in academic program or project management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of marine and coastal science research operations, and higher education program or event planning.
• Skills in project coordination, timeline and budget tracking, written and oral communication, and use of standard project management and communication tools.
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision, exercise sound judgment in coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives, and build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and external partners.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Strategic Planning and Special Initiatives. Partners with the Director to coordinate and execute high-priority projects supporting the growth of the Baruch Institute. Supports the strategic planning process by coordinating logistics, planning sessions and retreats, and executing collaborative frameworks that help scientific teams unite on research initiatives. Drafts and manages specialized communications to engage external stakeholders, guide planning decisions, and communicate strategic planning results.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Proposal Development and Funding Support. Assists the Director in preparing competitive applications and materials to secure public, private, and philanthropic funding. Coordinates with collaborators to compile, format, and submit competitive grant applications. Develops briefing documents and presentations aimed at securing philanthropic funds for field lab programs, facility improvements, and research equipment.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 30

Job Duty

Support for Scientific Symposia and Programming. Assists in planning the multi-institutional Hobcaw Symposium and public-facing events. Manages event logistics, solicits and reviews abstracts, curates academic sessions, develops communication materials, and coordinates with external partners. Contributes to scientific programming to advance the Institute’s visibility and engagement with academic and public audiences.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 20

Job Duty

Residential Academic Program Support. Provides limited, strategic support for the planning of a new residential academic program. Activities will be coordinated with the program lead and may include preparing advertising and admissions materials, liaising with campus partners for recruitment events, assisting with application reviews and logistics, and planning for field lab orientation.

Essential Function Yes

Percentage of Time 15

Job Duty

Other Duties as Assigned. Performs other duties for the success and operational efficiency of the Baruch Institute.

Essential Function Yes

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 09/16/2026

Position End Date

Position End Date 09/15/2027

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/02/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 10/17/2026

Open Until Filled No

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.

• * Do you have at least a Bachelor's degree in a job related field and 1 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
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Resume