Associate Director

Job Title Associate Director Employer University of South Carolina Location Columbia, SC - Onsite Salary $72,093 - Salary commensurate with qualifications 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. Responsibilities Identify opportunities for supplemental or new grant projects/funding aligned with SC?SIC and CFEC mission and goals. Develop and write funding proposals to federal, state, and local agencies or other funders. Administer SC?SIC grant projects, including serving as project director for the 5?year, $5?million CFEC grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Oversee all aspects of CFEC operations, including implementation of grant programs, ensuring activities meet the needs of CFECs target families. Develop and monitor a $1?million annual budget. Supervise full?time and part?time grant?funded employees; collaborate with CFEC Co?Directors and Content Specialists. Coordinate local, regional, and statewide events; provide CIC?related training, technical assistance, and other services to districts and schools. Assist with the annual SC?SIC Dick and Tunky Riley Award for SIC Excellence, including application review, adjudication, and training. Respond to information requests and provide technical assistance via email and telephone; develop tools and materials to support local SICs. Minimum Required Education and Experience Bachelors degree in a related field and five (5) or more 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 School Improvement Council roles, responsibilities, and governance principles. 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. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, standard office equipment, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom). Knowledge, Skills, and 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. Effective verbal and written communication with diverse families and education stakeholders. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels. Leadership and staff management skills. Facilitation and problem?solving skills. Discretion and professionalism in complex educational settings. Job Details Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: 02/01/2026 Job Open Date: 11/26/2025 Job Close Date: 01/10/2026 Open Until Filled: No 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr