What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director for Public Relations position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00042PO25
Job Family
Communications and Marketing
Job Function
Communication & PR
USC Market Title
Communications & Public Relations Specialist
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132375
Job Level
P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support
Department
SAAS Communications
State Pay Band
6
Approved Starting Salary
$49,396
Advertised Salary Range
$49,396 -salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
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.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), 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 USC 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.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Student Affairs and Academic Support Assistant Director for Public Relations
Are you interested in a dynamic and impactful role telling the story of the student experience?
- Do you have the ability to create and develop relationships within the division and externally?
The Student Affairs and Academic Support assistant director for public relations coordinates and executes communications that elevates relationships internally and externally to the division. They demonstrate proficiency in public relations, communications, and telling the story of the student experience. This position works under general supervision, independently developing relationships within the division and with local media contacts.
Day to Day for this position:
- Create compelling stories through content and communications for audiences using a variety of methods and channels, including websites, social media platforms, emails, print, presentations, and events
- Brand management, internal engagement with students/faculty/staff, stakeholder communications, and public relations
- In collaboration with the director, develop and distribute press releases, reactive statements, and actively participate in crisis management communication plans for the division, overseeing messaging on compliance and legal issues
Perks
- Competitive salary some of the BEST benefits you can find!
- 15 paid vacation days
- 15 paid sick days
- 13 paid holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- An engaging and collaborative environment.
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
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism or a related field and two years of related experience.
- Proven experience in public relations, communications, audience engagement or related roles.
- Familiarity with the higher education environment, specifically student affairs, and an understanding of university culture in relation to the student experience is a plus
- May graduates will be considered if they will be able to obtain their degree by the date of employment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to “tell the story” of the student experience to various audiences and platforms
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Excellent communications and creative thinking skills, with an ability to effectively present to clients and communicate underlying strategies
- Ability to work as a team player, demonstrate personal initiative, and inspire colleagues
Job Duties
Job Duty
Collaborate with division partners to initiate public relations activities in support of Student Affairs and Academic Support strategic priorities. The assistant director will create compelling stories through content and communications for audiences using a variety of methods and channels, including websites, social media platforms, emails, print, presentations, and events. Focus areas include brand management, internal engagement with students/faculty/staff, stakeholder communications, and public relations. Plan and execute internal communication initiatives, including newsletters and all-employee meetings.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Serve as a collaborative liaison between the division, development, and central communications ensuring there is message alignment with broader university strategies and goals. In partnership and collaboration with the director, this role will develop and distribute press releases, reactive statements, and actively participate in crisis management communication plans for the division, overseeing messaging on compliance and legal issues.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Job Duty
Cultivate relationships with local media, journalists, associations, and key external stakeholders to expand the message of the division and the student experience.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Supervise part-time, temporary and student employees. Provide the orientation, training, assignments and mentoring they need to perform required tasks and to succeed in their jobs. Establish expectations and standards of behavior. Monitor workload and assign projects based on student employees’ availability and suitability.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Operate as point of contact in absence of the Director of Public Relations for all communications and strategic initiatives within the division.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
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.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
01/21/2025
Job Close Date
03/07/2025
Open Until Filled
No
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 March 7, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/182365
EEO 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.
Salary : $49,396
