What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
RTF00268PO25
USC Market Title
Program Manager
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/156360
Business Title (Internal Title)
Associate Director
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Education
Department
CED School Improvement Council
Advertised Salary Range
$72,093 -Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
Columbia, SC - Onsite
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
- Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position
Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Other Professional
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.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
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 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.
South Carolina Retirement
Yes
State Insurance Programs
Yes
Annual Leave
Yes
Sick Leave
Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The South Carolina School Improvement Council (SC-SIC), part of the University of South Carolina College of Education, seeks an Associate Director to lead the Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC) grant project. This role oversees all aspects of CFEC operations, including program implementation, budget management, and staff supervision. Responsibilities include identifying and securing new grant funding, developing proposals, and providing training and technical assistance to School Improvement Councils statewide. The position requires strong leadership, grant administration experience, and the ability to collaborate with schools, families, and community partners to promote family and civic engagement in education.
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
- Demonstrated support of public education and understanding of collaboration among parents, teachers, students, administrators, and the community.
- Experience using national and state family engagement models and frameworks.
- Knowledge of current literature and research in the field of family engagement.
- Knowledge of state education law.
- Experience working with districts, schools, families, and other education stakeholders.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of School Improvement Councils and the principles of school governance.
- Experience as a trainer, teacher, facilitator, or public speaker.
- Experience conceptualizing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities.
- Experience writing and administering grants, including managing large budgets and meeting reporting requirements for federal grants.
- Experience developing collaborative partnerships with districts, schools, families, and community organizations.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products, standard office equipment, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Knowledge of strategic planning principles and their application to organizational and program implementation.
- Ability to work effectively under limited supervision, demonstrating creativity, initiative, and sound judgment.
- Ability to meet deadlines and fulfill grant deliverables accurately and on time.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse families and education stakeholders.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels.
- Ability to lead and manage staff effectively.
- Demonstrated leadership, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
- Skill in exercising discretion and professionalism in complex educational settings.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Identify opportunities for supplemental or new grant projects/funding that are aligned with/support SC-SIC and CFEC’s mission and goals. Develop and write funding proposals to federal, state, and local agencies or other funders. Administer SC-SIC grants projects, including serving as project director for the 5-year, $5-million grant from the US Department of Education to operate the Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC). Oversee all aspects of CFEC’s operations, including implementation of all proposed grant programs and activities; ensure that programs and activities meet the needs of CFEC’s families of focus as defined by the grant; develop and monitor $1 million annual budget.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
35
Job Duty
Supervise full time and part-time grant-funded employees; works collaboratively with CFEC Co-Directors and CFEC Content Specialists (USC COE faculty members); interface with outside evaluation team; maintain collaborative relationships with staff at state agencies, school districts, schools, families, and national, state, regional, and local community organizations; develop and write CFEC program materials and ensure quality of all CFEC work products; develop and facilitate capacity-building trainings and professional development sessions for educators and families; plan professional development for CFEC staff; ensure that all funder and University grant requirements, including grant reporting requirements, are met; and lead future development and direction of CFEC organization.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
35
Job Duty
Assist the Executive Director in (1) the planning, coordination, and implementation of local, regional, and statewide events and (2) providing SIC-related training, technical assistance, and other services to districts, schools, and other education stakeholders. Will assist with the annual SC-SIC Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence process, to include applications, adjudication, and related training; will deliver on-site and virtual trainings for SIC members; respond to information requests and provide technical assistance to members via email and telephone; develop tools and materials to support local SICs.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
30
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
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.
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
02/01/2026
Position End Date
Job Open Date
11/26/2025
Job Close Date
01/10/2026
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 January 10, 2026.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/198679
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.
Salary : $72,093
