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Assistant to the Chancellor

University of South Carolina, Spartanburg, SC, United States


Assistant to the Chancellor

The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
Health and Life Insurance
Retirement Programs
Paid Tuition Program
Dependent Scholarships
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Annual Leave
Sick Leave
13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
Paid Parental Leave
Professional Development Opportunities
Advertised Job Summary - Assistant to the Chancellor University of South Carolina Upstate STA00175PO26 Spartanburg, SC Directs and coordinates a broad range of complex and confidential administrative and operational matters for the Chancellor of USC Upstate. Serves as a key liaison between the Office of the Chancellor and internal and external constituents, including university leadership, board members, legislators, community partners, and campus stakeholders. Responsibilities include researching and compiling information for presentations and reports; coordinating meeting materials; drafting and proofreading correspondence; arranging and attending meetings; managing calendars; coordinating travel; providing communication and visitor support; preparing presentations and reports; maintaining records; and completing purchasing and travel reimbursement documentation.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience - Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 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 - A bachelor's degree and 4 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of education and experience of an associate's degree and 6 or more years of experience. Experience in USC System and/or Higher Education is desirable.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Successful completion of a background check is required. Availability for occasional work outside normal business hours to support university functions, communications, meetings, and emergency responses. Demonstrated initiative and ownership of projects and assignments to achieve positive results. Ability to anticipate needs, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities. Demonstrated resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and willingness to assist others as needed. Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including current and potential university donors. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, administrators, and campus partners. Ability to collaborate across teams and support a variety of projects and constituencies. Strong organizational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines. High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in all interactions. Ability to maintain flexibility and composure while providing leadership to the Office of the Chancellor under stressful conditions in a fast-paced office environment with changing priorities and deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment in interpreting and applying policies and procedures. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and other software applications. Ability to effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools where appropriate to enhance efficiency and productivity. Ability to learn and operate web-based financial and administrative systems. Strong organization, time management and prioritization skills. Ability to identify operational challenges, anticipate needs, recommend solutions, and implement improvements. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling highly sensitive information. Understanding of the political and organizational landscape and the ability to apply that awareness in decision-making and communications. Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong supervisory skills, and schedule flexibility. Personal qualities including strong interpersonal skills, self-confidence, dependability, discretion, and the judgment required to operate with significant independence.
Job Duties
Job Duty - Executive Communication and Coordination Serve as the primary point of contact for constituents, Board Members, legislators, system executives, external partners, and campus faculty and staff. Manage incoming communications including email, phone calls, mail, and visitor requests, exercising independent judgment when responding or routing inquiries. Review, analyze, and prioritize incoming email communications and respond or route appropriately. Answer and screen phone calls, assess requests, and determine appropriate responses or referrals. Greet and assist visitors, determining access and scheduling opportunities with the Chancellor when appropriate. Process memos, correspondence, mail, and submissions to the Office of the Chancellor in a timely manner. Proofread and format communications including memos, emails, presentations, reports, and official correspondence for internal and external audiences. Facilitate communication on behalf of the Chancellor with constituents, Board Members, legislators, system executives, external partners, and campus faculty, staff, and students. Communicate regularly with members of the Executive Leadership Team and Cabinet to ensure coordination and appropriate access to the Chancellor. Exercise independent judgment to process and troubleshoot daily requests.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 25
Job Duty - Calendar and Office Operations Management Manage and maintain the Chancellor's calendar, including scheduling meetings with university leaders, community partners, and state, federal, and local government officials. Evaluate meeting requests and logistics and prioritize scheduling to ensure effective use of the Chancellor's time. Manage the flow of information to and from the Office of the Chancellor, including sensitive and confidential materials. Provide leadership in planning, organizing, and administering functions of the Office of the Chancellor. Initiate and authorize personnel actions, expenditures, and procurement activities for the office in accordance with university policies. Coordinate information related to the Chancellor's speaking engagements including logistics, purpose, and supporting correspondence in collaboration with the Communications Department.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 25
Job Duty - Research and Briefing Support Research, compile, analyze, and organize information and data to support the Chancellor's discussions, meetings, speaking engagements, and events. Coordinate with campus units and external sources to obtain relevant information to ensure the Chancellor is fully prepared and briefed prior to meetings and engagements.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 10
Job Duty - Travel Coordination Plan and coordinate local, statewide, national, and international travel for the Chancellor and First Lady. Prepare detailed travel itineraries and coordinate logistics including transportation, lodging, and scheduling.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 10
Job Duty - Administrative Leadership and Office Management Provide complex and confidential administrative support to the Chancellor, including interaction with national and international officials and individuals. Supervise student interns, Chancellor's Fellows, and other office personnel. Maintain proficiency in all software and technology required for office operations. Ensure office equipment is operational and coordinate maintenance or repairs as needed. Recommend and implement improvements to office procedures and troubleshoot operational issues to increase efficiency.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 20
Job Duty - Records Management and Administrative Support Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems for the Office of the Chancellor. Ensure proper organization and retention of important documents. Perform additional duties as assigned.
Essential Function - Yes Percentage of Time - 10
Position Attributes 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.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive - No
Hazardous weather category - Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies - 1
Desired Start Date - 05/01/2026
Job Open Date - 03/20/2026
Job Close Date - 04/26/2026
Open Until Filled - Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant - The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
Quicklink for Posting - https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203825
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.