Inside Higher Ed
Pay & Hours
Advertised Salary Range: $72,093 – salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location: Columbia, SC – Onsite.
Employment Type: Full Time.
Hours Per Week: 37.5.
Work Schedule: Standard: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Flexibility required.
South Carolina Retirement: Yes
State Insurance Programs: Yes
Annual Leave: Yes
Sick Leave: Yes
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.
Minimum Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
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
Identify opportunities for supplemental or new grant projects/funding aligned with SC‑SIC and CFEC mission.
Develop and write funding proposals to federal, state, and local agencies or other funders.
Administer SC‑SIC grant projects, serving as project director for the 5‑year, $5‑million grant to operate CFEC.
Oversee all aspects of CFEC operations, including implementation of all proposed grant programs and activities; ensure programs meet the needs of CFEC’s families of focus as defined by the grant; develop and monitor a $1‑million annual budget.
Supervise full‑time and part‑time grant‑funded employees; work 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 local, regional, and national 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 all funder and university grant requirements, including reporting, are met.
Lead future development and direction of the CFEC organization.
Assist the Executive Director in planning, coordinating, and implementing local, regional, and statewide events; provide SIC‑related training, technical assistance, and other services to districts, schools, and stakeholders.
Assist with the annual SC‑SIC Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence, including applications, adjudication, and related training.
Deliver on‑site and virtual trainings for SIC members; respond to information requests and provide technical assistance via email and telephone.
Develop tools and materials to support local SICs.
Essential Functions Yes
Time Allocation
35% of time dedicated to grant management and operations.
30% of time dedicated to staff supervision and training.
Recruitment Information
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: 02/01/2026
Job Open Date: 11/26/2025
Job Close Date: 01/10/2026
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 regularly. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary. If your qualifications are deemed a fit, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are accepting applications submitted only by January 10, 2026.
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.
About the 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.
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Location: Columbia, SC – Onsite.
Employment Type: Full Time.
Hours Per Week: 37.5.
Work Schedule: Standard: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Flexibility required.
South Carolina Retirement: Yes
State Insurance Programs: Yes
Annual Leave: Yes
Sick Leave: Yes
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.
Minimum Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
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
Identify opportunities for supplemental or new grant projects/funding aligned with SC‑SIC and CFEC mission.
Develop and write funding proposals to federal, state, and local agencies or other funders.
Administer SC‑SIC grant projects, serving as project director for the 5‑year, $5‑million grant to operate CFEC.
Oversee all aspects of CFEC operations, including implementation of all proposed grant programs and activities; ensure programs meet the needs of CFEC’s families of focus as defined by the grant; develop and monitor a $1‑million annual budget.
Supervise full‑time and part‑time grant‑funded employees; work 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 local, regional, and national 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 all funder and university grant requirements, including reporting, are met.
Lead future development and direction of the CFEC organization.
Assist the Executive Director in planning, coordinating, and implementing local, regional, and statewide events; provide SIC‑related training, technical assistance, and other services to districts, schools, and stakeholders.
Assist with the annual SC‑SIC Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence, including applications, adjudication, and related training.
Deliver on‑site and virtual trainings for SIC members; respond to information requests and provide technical assistance via email and telephone.
Develop tools and materials to support local SICs.
Essential Functions Yes
Time Allocation
35% of time dedicated to grant management and operations.
30% of time dedicated to staff supervision and training.
Recruitment Information
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: 02/01/2026
Job Open Date: 11/26/2025
Job Close Date: 01/10/2026
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 regularly. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary. If your qualifications are deemed a fit, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are accepting applications submitted only by January 10, 2026.
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.
About the 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr