Project Manager

Job Description

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.

Diversity Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

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 About Benefits section on the Applicant Portal at 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

At the University of South Carolina (USC), College of Education, and the Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC), our diversity is integral to our excellence. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and strive to create a welcoming, respectful environment that promotes access, opportunity, and justice. These ideals are woven throughout our work and inspire our commitment to a culture that fosters cultural competency for our employees and the individuals and organizations that we serve. The CFEC grant project is conducted through the South Carolina School Improvement Council (SC-SIC) in the College of Education at USC. CFEC promotes high-impact cradle to career family engagement in education by providing training and technical assistance to families, educators, and communities so that they can partner more effectively to support increased student achievement and school improvement. The CFEC Project Manager, under the supervision of the Project Director, will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of CFEC.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 2 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a related field, or accounting, finance or other business-related field and at least 2 years of work experience.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience in managing large federal grants and/or large budgets, including processes for paying invoices, monitoring expenditures, and purchasing.
• Work experience, post-secondary coursework, or professional development in creating and maintaining effective community partnerships.
• Work experience, post-secondary coursework, or professional development in family engagement in education.
• Experience in planning meetings and events.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate/work effectively with different types of education stakeholders such as families, educators, and community leaders.
• Experience working with or in the early childhood and/or K-12 public school system or other education-related agencies or organizations.
• Formal training or post-secondary coursework in cultural competency.
• Demonstrated commitment to universal access to quality educational opportunities and/or other types of civic engagement or community service.
• Experience working within the University of South Carolina grants and financial/purchasing systems.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficient in utilizing technology to advance organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office suite, internet search engines, and other widely used computer programs, applications, and platforms such as social media platforms, Zoom or other web meeting platforms, Qualtrics, Canva, etc.
• Excellent customer service skills. Professional, responsible, and reliable.
• Ability to work well within a diverse team and with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimum direction.
• Open to taking on new challenges, learning new skills, and exploring new ways of doing things.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Conduct regular outreach to and communication with existing CFEC community partners at the state, regional, and local levels who serve CFEC’s families of focus, including families with low incomes; families of English language learners, minorities, students with disabilities, homeless children and youth, children and youth in foster care, and migrant students; identify additional potential community partners and supporters; develop opportunities for collaboration on projects benefiting CFEC’s families of focus; plan and co-facilitate periodic community partner meetings, and assist in coordination of projects with individual community partners.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Assist the Program Director in conducting day-to-day grant administration activities including managing the CFEC budget and reporting monthly to the Project Director on the status of all budget expenditures; input budgetary entries through the university systems, initiate and follow through on payment process and procedures until invoices are paid, and monitor posting of grant expenses to the correct budget categories; purchase needed items on behalf of CFEC and liaisons in the field; and assist the Program Director in meeting all US Department of Education and US grant compliance and reporting requirements.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Identify and disseminate information to CFEC stakeholders about existing resources available to meet a broad range of student academic achievement and developmental needs; coordinate CFEC’s internal communications staff in creating and maintaining regular CFEC newsletter, social media sites, website, and one-time publications and print orders.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

20

Job Duty

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the CFEC leadership team, Regional Liaisons, Specialists, Partners, Advisory Committee members, and stakeholders. Facilitate ongoing two-way communication among these groups using a variety of communication methods.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Coordinate logistics of CFEC events throughout the state including meetings, trainings, webinars, conferences, and presentations. Assist in preparation of print and electronic materials for CFEC-related events (e.g. handouts, PowerPoint slides, etc.). Facilitate meetings and deliver presentations and trainings on behalf of CFEC as the need/opportunity arises.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

15

Job Duty

Maintain and update CFEC data, including maintain and organizing meeting agendas, notes, minutes, and materials, electronically on shared drives (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) and/or printed materials, as appropriate.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

5

Job Duty

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function

Yes

Percentage of Time

5

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

Position End Date

Job Open Date

11/08/2023

Job Close Date

12/23/2023

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 December 23, 2023

Quicklink for Posting

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.Report job