Associate Vice Provost for Graduate EducationAbout University of South CarolinaFrom 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.Veterans' Preference StatementThe University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.Benefits for FTE PositionsThe University of South Carolina (USC), 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 USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://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.Position DescriptionThe Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education reports to the Dean of the Graduate School within the Office of the Provost. The Associate Vice Provost serves as a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader who advances excellence in graduate education through innovation, operational effectiveness, and student success. This position provides leadership for university-wide graduate education initiatives during a period of growth, transformation, and achievement at a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to an exceptional student experience.
Minimum Required Education and ExperienceRequires a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and at least 12 years of job-related experience, including some prior management experience. Typically reports to a VP.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities- Demonstrated ability to advise senior leadership on complex strategic initiatives, organizational design, and policy matters.- Proven success leading and collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders within complex organizations.- Strong leadership, judgment, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and projects while providing strategic solutions to organizational challenges.- Exercises a high level of discretion and sound decision-making.- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.Job DutiesStrategic Planning (20%)In partnership with the Dean of the Graduate School and the Provost, the Associate Vice Provost:- Identifies, develops, and implements strategic priorities for graduate education.- Collaborates with the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Analytics (OIRAA) to develop reports, dashboards, and data-informed decision-making tools that support graduate education goals.- Works with academic deans, associate deans, and graduate program directors to identify and address operational and administrative barriers to graduate student success.- Provides escalation support for complex issues affecting graduate programs and students.- Monitors national trends, emerging issues, and best practices in graduate education to inform institutional strategy and policy.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Business Process Transformation (20%)- Leads efforts to modernize and enhance Graduate School operations through process improvement and organizational innovation.- Identifies opportunities to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality across Graduate School functions.- Partners with university stakeholders to leverage enterprise technologies, data systems, and operational infrastructure.- Enhances the graduate student and graduate program experience across the full lifecycle, from recruitment and admission through degree completion and graduation.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time20Operational Leadership and Student Success (35%)Provides executive oversight of Graduate School operations, including but not limited to:- Graduate admissions and enrollment services.- Graduate student fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and grant programs.- Graduate student professional and career development initiatives.- Academic policy implementation, degree progress monitoring, and curriculum compliance.- Graduation certification and commencement-related activities, including doctoral hooding ceremonies.- Training, support, and engagement for graduate program directors and graduate faculty leaders.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time35Staffing and Budget Management (15%)- Provides leadership and supervision for a team of approximately 25 staff members.- Oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $2.45 million.- Regularly evaluates organizational structure, staffing assignments, and resource allocation to align with the strategic priorities of the Dean and Provost.- Partners with the Graduate School Business Manager to ensure sound fiscal stewardship, compliance with university policies, and effective human resource management.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time15Leadership and University Service (10%)- Serves as a key leader in graduate education governance and decision-making.- Provides leadership and support for the Graduate Council, Assistant and Associate Graduate Deans Council, Graduate Directors Council, and other graduate education advisory bodies.- Represents the Graduate School on university committees, task forces, and strategic initiatives.- Builds collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative units to advance institutional goals related to graduate education and student success.Essential FunctionYesPercentage of Time10
