Senior Communications Strategist for Higher Education & Innovation

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California's Iovine and Young Academy is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join its Development and External Relations team on campus in Los Angeles.

The role leads integrated communications, partner with academy leadership, crafts audience-specific messaging for students, families, alumni and donors, and oversees media relations, executive communications, digital content and events communications to elevate priority initiatives and institutional visibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications or related fields.
• Experience developing communications strategies and content for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing executive communications and supporting senior leaders.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling ability.
• Experience with media relations, including press materials, media inquiries and interview preparation.
• Experience developing and managing website, email, newsletter and social media content.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and complex review processes.
• Ability to translate complex academic or technical subject matter into accessible content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that advance Academy priorities, reputation and visibility.
• Serve as a strategic communications partner to the dean and Academy leadership.
• Develop messaging for major initiatives, partnerships, programs, announcements and events.
• Write and edit executive communications, speeches, talking points and briefs.
• Identify and develop stories featuring students, faculty, alumni and donors.
• Create and edit content across newsletters, campaigns, publications and digital channels.
• Manage the Academy's editorial calendar and ensure timely, coordinated communications.
• Lead public and media relations, including press materials and media inquiries.
• Develop website, digital content and social media content with consistent voice and standards.
• Collaborate with Development and External Relations on donor communications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic communications guidance for major Academy events.
• Support dean's initiatives and high-profile activities with communications strategies.
• Manage multiple projects from concept to completion with timelines and reviews.
• Ensure alignment with USC and Academy brand, accessibility and visual identity standards.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Media relations

Strategic communications

Project management

Social media management

Content strategy

Stakeholder collaboration

Copywriting

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or related field

Tools

Content management systems

Email marketing platforms

Social media management tools

Digital analytics platforms

Job description

University of Southern California's Iovine and Young Academy is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join its Development and External Relations team on campus in Los Angeles.

The role leads integrated communications, partner with academy leadership, crafts audience-specific messaging for students, families, alumni and donors, and oversees media relations, executive communications, digital content and events communications to elevate priority initiatives and institutional visibility.