Director of Executive Communications

Director of Executive Communications

The Director of Executive Communications leads efforts to highlight the president's stewardship of the University of South Carolina's eight-campus system as well as the president's leadership in addressing major trends in the state and national higher education landscape. The director develops clear, compelling and authentic communications that advance the president's vision while strengthening USC's institutional reputation with internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Office of University Communications, the director works closely with key leadership from other units across the university to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated institutional messaging. The director must value creative, engaging communications and storytelling; have a desire to advance the cause of public higher education; and have a curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, the director will maintain awareness of state and national current events and demonstrate the ability to recognize opportunities for the president to engage at the of the public discourse and higher education.

Required Education and Experience: Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent professional experience. Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, journalism, public affairs, public relations or a related field. Experience supporting a president, chief executive, elected official or other senior leader. Experience in higher education, research institutions, government, nonprofit organizations or other complex mission-driven environments. Experience writing op-eds, keynote speeches, public remarks and digital content for senior executives. Familiarity with issues affecting higher education, research, public policy and economic development.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to write in an executive voice for diverse audiences. Strong judgment, discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, meet tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, faculty, staff and external stakeholders. Ability to work in a rapid-response, team environment.

Job Duties:

Writing: Serves as the president's primary writer for speeches, remarks, talking points, video scripts, presentations and other public-facing communications. This includes drafting, editing and managing executive correspondence, including messages to faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders and partners. The director also develops op-eds, essays, statements, social media posts, articles and other thought-leadership content that articulate the president's perspective, that advance the university's priorities, and that position the president as a leading voice in higher education and public service. The director must maintain a strong understanding of the president's voice, priorities and leadership style, while ensuring communications reflect the values and mission of the university.

Research: Research institutional, regional and national issues; synthesize complex information into concise, accurate and audience-appropriate communications. This requires close collaboration with other administrative across the university to ensure accuracy and consistency in university messaging. The director also prepares briefing materials, message frameworks, background documents and talking points for meetings, interviews, events and travel.

Strategic Planning: Manages editorial calendars, review processes and deadlines for executive communications projects. The director also collaborates with other campus units to coordinate the president's role in major institutional events. Identifies future opportunities to feature the president's stewardship on USC across multiple platforms.

Other: Accepts and performs other related duties as requested. Engages in special projects and/or university initiatives as requested.