Senior Associate Director of Digital Strategy

STA00321PO24

Creative Services

Web Development

Web Manager

M4 - Managerial

Senior Associate Director of Digital Strategy

Columbia

Richland

Communications and Marketing

COMM Brand Strategy

8

$79,302

$79,302 - $98,759

Full Time

37.5

Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pmMust be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

12 months

Communication Services

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.

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.

The Senior Associate Director of Digital Strategy drives the design, administration and operations of the University’s website. Reporting to the AVP of Digital Strategy, this role will lead and manage the Digital Strategy team of professionals to deliver intuitive, branded websites and web content across the sc.edu domain and serve as the primary user experience authority on the team. This role is responsible for conceptualizing, proposing, exploring, and executing digital planning to satisfy organizational and user needs based on insights from analytics and usability research while meeting the objectives of the university’s brand and content strategies and ensuring quality, consistency, and an excellent user experience. This position will be a user experience advocate and a brand steward with advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, experience with digital accessibility best practices, a working knowledge of HTML and CSS and experience optimizing design around these languages, and knowledge about information structuring and architecture. This position will require the ability to prototype designs and content. Our workspace is not just online communications, it often flexes to anything digital-related within the division, including the sc.edu website, unit- and division-level landing pages, campaigns, emails, templates and more. Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Demonstrated understanding of user-centered design and a clean design aesthetic and a passion for creating great user experiences. Demonstrated knowledge of web technologies, content management systems, languages and best practices. Experience working independently and collaboratively with information architects, copywriters, front-end developers and broad cross-functional teams. Strong problem-solving skills and independent self-direction coupled with an aptitude for team collaboration and open communication. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Ability to work as a team player, demonstrate personal initiative and inspire colleagues. Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Design Defines and implements the University’s web design vision, incorporating user-centered design principles and the latest trends and best practices in UX and Product Design for new websites or pages across the sc.edu domain. Manages the principal user experience designer to create effective, intuitive and branded designs.

Yes

15

Project Management Coordinates web development plans and schedules and advises the team through all phases of a web project including planning, development, design and implementation. This role will communicate clearly and confidently with the team and clients to determine needs, present ideas and accomplish a project from start to finish keeping the AVP and leadership informed.

Yes

20

Cross-team Collaboration, Guidance and Support Guides others in thinking about online communications as a key tool in enhancing the University brand. Foster strong relationships, facilitate communication, and ensure that the website effectively supports the goals of diverse departments and units. Guides campus content managers on web best practices, and assists with larger content strategy, information architecture and technical support for strategic projects.

Yes

10

Other duties as assigned.

Yes

5

Team Management Leads a dynamic digital strategy team in conceiving, planning, developing, measuring, and enhancing websites and digital content that drives interaction, engagement, and satisfaction with the USC brand. Provides leadership and supervision for assigned staff, including hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and reviewing work, establishing goals for each position and assessing performance through completion of written evaluations; acting on disciplinary issues, up to and including dismissal; addressing grievances, developing a framework for corrective actions as necessary. The incumbent will propose and manage budget allocations to deliver best results.

Yes

20

Vision and Direction – With strategic input from Communications and Marketing leadership, DoIT and other university leadership, the incumbent develops, communicates and executes a comprehensive vision and strategy for the university’s marketing website (sc.edu), focusing on both user interface and user experience, engagement, and brand representation. Initiates ideas and solutions within sc.edu and the university’s content management system and other university enterprise web solutions to provide the university and its units the tools they need to improve the overall experience for our users. Stays informed of and shares current digital trends, technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance the website’s functionality and impact.

Yes

30

No

Essential

1

04/19/2024

06/03/2024

No

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 June 3, 2024. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

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.