Associate Director (SC TEACHER)

Please see Special Instructions for more details. 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 July 11, 2026. Type of Staff Position Staff Time-Limited (STL) Basis: 12 months Job Search Category: Other Professional About USC 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 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 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 The Associate Director of SC TEACHER is a senior leadership position that will lead the development and implementation of a suite of new services and supports to SC districts, with a specific focus on rural districts with specific legislative incentives provided via SC legislation directives; Expand and monitor organizational effectiveness; create budgets and work plans for a variety of projects; make creative decisions on next level innovations; and revise/create SOPs as operations evolve. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and at least 8 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience. Preferred Qualifications Requires a doctorate degree and experience 2 or more years of experience leading/working in a statewide agency. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials None specified Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Leadership Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills necessary to guide diverse teams and build effective partnerships across stakeholder groups. Ability to foster innovation, adaptability, and strategic alignment in dynamic organizational environments. Strategic & Analytical Thinking Strong strategic planning, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Ability to synthesize research, policy, financial, and operational information to support informed decision-making. Policy & Regulatory Knowledge Knowledge of education systems, public policy, legislative processes, and regulatory compliance. Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Communication Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to varied audiences. Ability to develop effective relationships with educators, policymakers, community partners, and organizational leaders. Knowledge of project management, organizational operations, and multi-agency budget oversight practices. Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accountability, and support transparent reporting systems. Knowledge of research methodologies, data interpretation, and evidence-informed practices. Ability to translate research and data into practical resources, recommendations, and strategic guidance. Job Duties Program Leadership & Operations The Associate Director will determine how to best position SC TEACHER as the service and support broker to support SC leaders’ understanding of the data and research generated from SC TEACHER (and other sources) and connect leaders to resources that guide action for improvement; Will create/oversee budgets and work plans for a variety of projects. This includes, but is not limited to, developing and facilitating workshops for district leaders, planning and hosting an annual symposium, and providing ongoing support for district teams. Will revise and create SOP’s as operations evolve. A primary function of this role will be to address the needs of rural districts and allocate resources for educator workforce stability, including revising and enforcing guidelines, tracking impacts and results to develop and refine the implementation of a statewide system to address persistent rural recruitment and retention needs. Percentage of Time: 40% Policy & Stakeholder Engagement The Associate Director will collaboratively develop and execute a strategy to support the team in achieving organizational goals and intended impact, with a primary focus on rural districts facing persistent challenges. This will include support and development of team members. Externally, this includes understanding the SC political landscape, effectively communicating about both policy and practice, and navigating and thriving amid the complexities of the SC TEACHER workplace. Percentage of Time: 30% Research, Data & Reporting Systems The Associate Director will connect and deepen the impact of work focused on supporting districts in the state that face the most persistent challenges of recruiting and retaining educators, including but not limited to overseeing a new online reporting and tracking system to be designed for strategic planning, transparent reporting and tracking, and ease of access by end users. Percentage of Time: 30% Position Attributes Hazardous weather category: No Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: 07/01/2026 Job Open Date: 05/27/2026 Job Close Date: 07/11/2026 Open Until Filled: No Special Instructions 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 July 11, 2026. 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 * Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in a job related field and at least 8 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience? Yes No Required Documents Cover Letter Resume List of References and Contact Information Optional Documents Letter of Recommendation 1 Letter of Recommendation 2 Letter of Recommendation 3 Other Supporting Documents #J-18808-Ljbffr