Director of Communications

Posting NumberSTA00858PO24Job FamilyCommunications and MarketingJob FunctionCommunication & PRUSC Market TitleDirector of Communications and Public RelationsLink to USC Market Titlehttps://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132374Job LevelM3 - ManagerialBusiness Title (Internal Title)Director of CommunicationsCampusSchool of Medicine GreenvilleWork CountyGreenvilleCollege/DivisionSchool of Medicine GreenvilleDepartmentSOMG School of Medicine GreenvilleState Pay Band8Approved Starting Salary$72,093Advertised Salary RangeM10 72,093 90,116 108,139Location of VacancyPart/Full TimeFull TimeHours per Week40Work ScheduleMonday – Friday 8:30am – 5pmSome night/weekends are required.Basis12 monthsJob Search CategoryCommunication ServicesAbout USCAbout University of South CarolinaFrom 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 StatementAt 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 PositionsThe 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 DescriptionAdvertised Job SummaryWorking at the direction of the Dean, the Director of Communications will be tasked with enhancing the profile and reputation of the school nationally within a top-tier public research university. The Director will work closely with the Associate Director of Integrated Communications within USC’s Office of Communications & Public Affairs to execute a focused and strategic communications plan that will advance the school’s reputation and help engage the highest quality faculty, donors, alumni, students and prospective students.Job Related Minimum Required Education and ExperienceRequires a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.Required Certification, Licensure/Other CredentialsPreferred QualificationsMaster’s degree and eight years of professional experience working in a client-facing health care or technology-related setting. Experience with public-private partnerships is a plus. Writing for broad audiences as well as those in higher education, the health sciences or other STEM disciplines are highly preferred. A track record of successfully pitching stories to national media is preferred.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesThe Director of Communications is an organized, enterprising self-starter with executive presence and a proven ability to create engaging content across all media. Demonstrated proficiency in content management software, social media platforms, web analytics and social media monitoring and be adaptable to new technology. Knowledge of AP style is required, along with the ability to be a self-editor.Project management skills and a proven ability to meet tight deadlines are a must. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a necessity for success in this role along with an ability to work as part of a wider university communications team. A desire to develop professionally and keep abreast of developing trends in communications.Job DutiesJob DutyStrategy:Following best practices, creates and manages marketing communications that supports the needs and priorities of the School of Medicine Greenville and USC’s central integrated marketing and brand communications approach. Defining goals and tactics, follows best practices of channel optimization and audience segmentation, both within and outside academia. Manages content creation across all mediums, supporting the needs and priorities of SOMG and the USC integrated marketing and brand communications approach. Serves as the Editor of all SOMG publications (electronic, hard copy, video, etc.). Responsible for newsletter layout, story content, editing, publishing, getting appropriate reviews & approvals & all aspects of publications under the direction of the Dean and the USC Office of Communication and Public Affairs, including website management and content development, press releases, white papers, corporate videos, marketing collateral and aid in preparation of presentations and/or speeches in support of the Office of the Dean.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Job DutyProject Management:Responsible for planning, analysis, and implementation of communications projects in support of the school and the entities it serves, including managing and directing the initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout phases and work orders of projects. Controls budget, scope and schedule to ensure project deliverables, milestones and required tasks are completed as planned. Leads the proper development and execution of the communication plan, taking full responsibility for keeping organizational leaders informed of impact and status. Maintains and communicates reports of project status, manages expectations, and identifies opportunities for follow-up work or new projects. Escalates issues that impact scope, timing, or budget to leadership and works with them to obtain additional resources, as needed.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Job DutyContent Creation:Following the school’s strategic communications plan and university’s content strategy and brand guidelines, creates and oversees a variety of cross-channel content including but not limited to news stories, web content, videos, press releases, social content, newsletters, print publications, photos and op-eds. Develops and assists in maintaining a master internal production calendar for managing content published to the website, social media, videos, and overall press.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Job DutyPublic Relations:Providing comprehensive support both on and off campus as required and directed for all major school events. Enhances the academic reputation of the school through media relations activities that promote research, academic programs, and news to multiple audiences. Leads local and state media relations activities for the school and works with others in Communications & Public Affairs to cultivate stories for national media pitches. Creates and executes event promotion plans for the school. Assists USC’s AVP, Media and External Engagement and the VP of Communications with crisis communications as necessary.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Job DutyManagement:Supervises employees by applying appropriate management principles according to university policy and procedures, completing EPMS timely and accurately, and monitoring employee progress towards goal attainment.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time15Job DutyOther:Accepts and performs other related duties as assigned. As applicable, will serve on School or University level task forces and assist on special projects or initiatives.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time5Position AttributesEmployees 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 SensitiveNoHazardous weather categoryNon-EssentialPosting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies1Desired Start Date12/02/2024Job Open Date10/29/2024Job Close Date12/12/2024Open Until FilledNoSpecial Instructions to ApplicantPositions 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 December 12, 2024.Quicklink for Postinghttps://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/177765EEO StatementThe 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.