Communications Manager

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Academic Advice, Academic Affairs, Academic Writing, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Product Family, Apple, Best Practices, Brand Marketing (Branding), Communication Skills, Content Development, Creative Services, Delivery Management, Design Services, Digital Link Circuits, Establish Priorities, Funding, Google Analytics, Health Insurance, Higher Education, Leadership, Life Insurance, Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Metrics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Word, Military, Multimedia, Multiplatform/Cross-Platform, Multitasking, Newsletter, Online Promotions, Press Releases, Printing, Project Tracking, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Research Grants, Scholarship, Social Media, Storytelling, Strategic Planning, Tableau, Team Player, Time Management, Tuition Fees, University/School Policies, Vendor/Supplier Management, Web Design, Web Programming
LOCATION
Columbia, SC
POSTED
30+ days ago

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00341PO26 Job Family Creative Services Job Function Content Creation USC Market Title Digital Content Creator Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132519 Job Level P3 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) Communications Manager Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Division of Academic Affairs and Provost Department PROV Undergraduate Studies State Pay Range G09 USC Market Range MRF - $52,526 $65,658 $78,789 Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with qualifications Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

  • Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 5:00pm.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Communication 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 bachelors 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 Communications Manager will develop and produce clear, engaging and brand-aligned content on behalf of Undergraduate Studies and assigned divisions of Academic Affairs across multiple platforms. The Communications manager will also oversee social media strategy and project management, in coordination with other university communications initiatives. This position will report to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies under limited supervision.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

  • Requires a bachelors degree in a job related field and 3 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

  • Bachelors degree in related field and 4 years of experience in designing and distributing promotional materials, developing social media platforms and creation of presentation materials.
  • Ability to communicate Google Analytics results and social media metrics.
  • Prior experience in a higher education setting is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Must possess proficient knowledge of mass communication and design principles, printing industry terminology and have excellent communication skills.
  • Graphic design skills are critical in this position.
  • Must be able to multitask and prioritize projects.
  • Knowledge of University policies and procedures related to the position.
  • Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in the University community.
  • Proficient with all the Microsoft applications, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Adobe and Apple applications.
  • Experience working with developing templates through design tools such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Tableau, and Canva to streamline content creation.
  • Understanding of marketing trends in higher education and outside of higher education.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Content Strategy and Creation

Develops and produces clear, engaging, and brand-aligned cross-channel content on behalf of UG Studies and assigned divisions for Academic Affairs. Writes, edits, and shapes long- and short-form stories highlighting the University of South Carolinas academic excellence. Content includes website features, newsletters, press releases, social media posts, calendar items, and multimedia storytelling in alignment with institutional priorities.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Social Media Strategy and Management

Oversees UG Studies and other assigned divisions for Academic Affairs social media accounts, including strategy development, content planning, and day-to-day management to maximize engagement with faculty, students, and peer institutions. Prioritizes showcasing academic excellence and institutional achievements. Advises reporting units within the Office of the Provost on social media best practices and engagement strategies as appropriate.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25 Job Duty

Project Management

Provides project oversight and coordination for communications initiatives conducted in collaboration with campus communications and marketing partners. Serves as the primary liaison between assigned units leadership, staff, affiliated academic units, and service providers. Manages timelines, deliverables, and workflows for projects including strategic marketing, event promotion, web design and development, public relations, creative and design services, printing, and vendor management.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Strategic Communications and Presentations

Researches, drafts, and prepares communications and public statements, including email communications, talking points, videos, and correspondence for internal and external audiences. In consultation with the Office of the Provost and Communications and Marketing leadership, ensure messaging reflects institutional priorities and strategic goals. Provides strategic communications guidance to the assigned offices, reporting units, and in collaboration with University Communications and the Brand Collaborative, offers counsel to academic unit leaders to ensure consistency with university messaging, branding, and best practices.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25

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 07/01/2026 Job Open Date 05/14/2026 Job Close Date 06/28/2026 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 June 28, 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

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/206079 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 3 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education and/or experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

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

Optional Documents

  • Writing Sample(s)/Sample Publications

About the Company

U

University of South Carolina