Internal Communications Lead

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles is seeking an Internal Communications Lead to shape messaging that informs, engages, and inspires diverse audiences across digital, print, and social channels.

You will partner with senior leaders, translate complex initiatives into clear communications, and lead a communications team to deliver high-impact stories that strengthen USC's brand and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, higher education, or related field.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with editing and proofreading expertise.
• Ability to develop strategic messaging for diverse audiences across multiple channels.
• Experience distilling complex topics into clear, audience-focused content.
• Experience managing organizational communications, public relations, and social media strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with WordPress and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong collaboration and leadership skills with mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive content and communication strategies that support organizational priorities.
• Lead the creation, review, and approval of high-quality communications across multiple platforms.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop messaging for strategic initiatives and employee engagement.
• Oversee public relations and ensure consistent brand voice across communications.
• Guide development of communication standards, editorial calendars, and distribution processes.
• Manage documentation and digital content, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing communications team.
• Build partnerships across departments to align communications with goals.
• Stay current on trends and best practices to improve communication effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic storytelling

Leadership

Editing

Cross-channel messaging

Content strategy

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or Marketing

Tools

WordPress

Microsoft Office

Job description

Internal Communications Lead

Los Angeles, CA

The Internal Communications Lead will have the opportunity to shape communications that reach broad and diverse audiences while partnering with leaders on high-impact initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, strengthen a trusted brand, and lead a team dedicated to delivering exceptional communications that inform, engage, and inspire.

The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller who thrives at the intersection of leadership, communications, and brand strategy. The organization is seeking an experienced Internal Communications Lead to lead the development and execution of integrated communication strategies designed to inform, engage, and inspire diverse audiences.

In this leadership role, the Internal Communications Lead will oversee content strategy, guide organizational messaging, and manage a talented communications team. This individual will partner with senior leaders to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling communications while strengthening the organization’s brand across digital, print, and social media channels.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive content and communication strategies that support organizational priorities.
• Lead the creation, review, and approval of high-quality communications across multiple platforms, including websites, newsletters, presentations, intranet, and social media.
• Partner with executive and organizational leadership to develop messaging that supports strategic initiatives, organizational change, and employee engagement.
• Oversee public relations efforts and ensure consistent brand voice, messaging, and customer experience across all communications.
• Guide the development and maintenance of communication standards, editorial calendars, style guides, and distribution processes.
• Manage documentation and digital content, ensuring information remains accurate, current, and accessible.
• Mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing communications team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Build strong partnerships across departments to align communications with organizational goals and initiatives.
• Stay current on communication trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously improve communication effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in communications, marketing, higher education, or a related field.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with strong editing and proofreading expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic messaging for diverse audiences across multiple communication channels.
• Experience simplifying complex information into clear, engaging, audience-focused content.
• Experience managing organizational communications, public relations, and social media strategies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with content management systems such as WordPress and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong collaboration, relationship-building, and leadership skills with a commitment to mentoring others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven (7) or more years of communications or marketing experience.
• Two (2) or more years of people management experience.
• Experience in higher education or government administration.
• Executive communications and speechwriting experience.
• Demonstrated success leading communications teams and organizational change initiatives.

The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000–$125,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree In Communication Or Marketing Or in related field(s) Minimum Experience: 5 years in communication, marketing, higher education, or related fields Minimum Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, and proven copy-editing experience. Exemplary understanding of the nuanced messaging required for various audiences and distribution channels. Experience distilling complex topics and content into personable, easy-to-understand information. Demonstrated experience managing public relations and developing social media presence for an organization, and solid grasp of professionally utilizing social media platforms. Experience with large and complex distribution lists. Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements. Experience implementing communication strategies for similar or larger audiences using old and new media. Ability to build, develop, and manage positive working relationships and rapport with a wide range of high-performing teams. Experience in providing actionable and thoughtful feedback and mentorship to junior team members. Proven ability to provide both detailed information as well as summaries to management-level individuals and groups, and experience presenting technical topics to non-technical audiences. Comfortable with communications technology and complex environments, able to produce quality copy on tight schedules. Ability to manage concurrent projects, prioritize competing assignments, and work under pressure with tight deadlines and frequent interruptions. Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments. Experience with content management systems (e.g., WordPress). Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Preferred Experience: 7 years in communication, marketing, higher education, or related fields. 2 years in a management role. Preferred Skills: Experience working in higher education administration or governmental administration. Experience in leadership and people-building roles. Executive communication and speechwriting experience.