Assistant Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$84,820–$131,471 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Channel Strategies, Coaching, Communication Skills, Conferences, Content Development, Content Management, Continuous Improvement, Customer/Client Research, Data Analysis, Funding, Higher Education, Instructional Design, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Military, Organizational Development/Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Program Evaluation, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Research Grants, Resource Utilization, Seminars, Social Sciences, Staff Development, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Time Management, Training Program Development, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Writing Skills
LOCATION
Columbia, SC
POSTED
12 days ago

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00477PO26 Job Family Academic and Professional Training and Development Job Function Training USC Market Title Training Manager Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/164974 Job Level M4 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) Assistant Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Access, Civil Rights and Community Engagement Department ACRCE Office of Access and Opportunity State Pay Range G12 USC Market Range MRK - $84,820 $108,146 $131,471 Anticipated Hiring Range $84,820 - $131,471 Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule Basis 12 months Job Search Category Human Resources/Legal

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

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

The Office of Access and Opportunity is seeking to hire an Assistant Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives to join our team.

The Assistant Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives reports to and serves as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director of Inclusive Excellence Education, leading the Office of Access and Opportunity's educational and operational priorities. The position develops, facilitates, and evaluates educational programs and strategic initiatives that promote appreciating differences, access, inclusion, belonging, and dialogue across the university community.

The Assistant Director serves as a primary liaison for educational initiatives and collaborative engagement efforts across campus and the wider community. The role also supports university events and learning experiences, including seminars, campus talks, symposia, conferences, leadership workshops, and other educational initiatives for faculty, staff, graduate students, and campus partners.

This role ensures that professional development initiatives and resources align with the strategic priorities of the University and the division, fostering an environment where all individuals and communities are welcomed, valued, and supported.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

  • Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 5 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

  • Master's degree in education, higher education, student affairs, communications, social sciences, organizational development, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience in teaching, facilitation, training, or curriculum and instructional design within educational or professional settings
  • Experience supporting initiatives related to access, belonging, inclusive excellence, cultural humility, or dialogue across differences

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Education Development: Ability to design and deliver impactful learning experiences for diverse audiences using the Inclusive Excellence Framework
  • Communication: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex ideas clearly and build collaborative relationships
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze issues, align initiatives with institutional priorities, and develop actionable solutions
  • Analytical Skills: Ability to collect, interpret, and apply data to inform decisions and continuous improvement
  • Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in coordinating initiatives, managing competing priorities, and delivering high-quality results on time
  • Technology: Ability to effectively use digital tools and platforms to develop content and support program implementation
  • Professionalism: Demonstrated sound judgment, initiative, and accountability, with the ability to navigate complex environments and maintain high standards of integrity and discretion
  • Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, contribute to shared goals, and foster a cooperative and collegial work environment

Job Duties

Job Duty

Program Design and Facilitation

  • Design and implement educational programs and initiatives that foster inclusivity, strengthen connections across diverse populations, and promote meaningful dialogue within the university and broader community
  • Enhance the organizational capacity for inclusion by promoting leadership development initiatives that are rooted in sound practices
  • Partner with campus and community stakeholders to advance shared goals related to access, opportunity, and engagement

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25 Job Duty

Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Alignment

  • Develop and strengthen partnerships to advance institutional priorities
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to guide program strategy and direction
  • Ensure all initiatives align with the strategic plans and goals of both the university and its divisions
  • Identify opportunities to expand impact, reach, and resource utilization

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Data, Assessment, and Program Evaluation

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data to measure the effectiveness and impact of educational initiatives
  • Assess program outcomes and apply data-driven insights to inform improvements and enhance overall impact
  • Share insights to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement
  • Maintain consistency and quality across educational and engagement efforts

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty

Web Strategy and Digital Engagement Management

  • Oversee the Office of Access and Opportunity website with a focus on engagement and user experience
  • Ensure website content is purposeful, dynamic, and aligned with institutional goals
  • Manage and update content to maintain relevance, clarity, and impact
  • Collaborate with the university's web team to ensure accessibility standards and compliance
  • Utilize analytics and user feedback to inform content strategy and continuous improvement

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for inclusive excellence initiatives
  • Coordinate engagement efforts across campus and community partners
  • Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Facilitate communication, collaboration, and alignment across initiatives

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty

Supervision

  • Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support to assigned staff, graduate assistants, student employees, interns, or volunteers
  • Set clear expectations, assign work, monitor progress, and provide timely feedback to ensure quality service, accountability, and alignment with departmental goals
  • Support staff development through coaching, training, performance feedback, and opportunities for professional growth

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15

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 Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Job Open Date 06/23/2026 Job Close Date 07/06/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/208442 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    • Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 5 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

    • Do you have experience working in USC systems? If so, please provide the USC systems you have experience in.

(Open Ended Question)

    • Do you have experience working with Access and Opportunity programming?
  • Yes
  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

About the Company

U

University of South Carolina