Senior Communications and Development Specialist

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist for the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies (IACS). IACS is a research center focused on applying the Catholic intellectual tradition to contemporary societal challenges, fostering dialogue with various disciplines and other religions. The Senior Communications Specialist will support the organizational development of IACS by overseeing development efforts, managing leadership objectives for organizational development, leading development initiatives including database and social media management, and developing strategic fundraising plans. This role also involves managing public communications, cultivating a culture of transparency, building relationships with supporters and colleagues, and embodying USC's core values.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
5 years in communications, marketing, higher education or related fields
Excellent written and oral communication skills, and proven copy editing experience
Exemplary understanding of the nuanced messaging required for various audiences and distribution channels
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
Ability to build, develop, and manage positive working relationships and rapport with wide-ranging, high-performing teams
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

Nice To Haves

A deep understanding of the mission of higher education and the Catholic intellectual tradition
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to understand and articulate IACS' mission, the role of Catholic ideas in that mission, and the Institute's specific vision
Proficiency in database management (e.g., AirTable, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies across California communities, including scholars, clergy, and laypersons from the Catholic and other traditions
Spanish or other 2nd language proficiency
Ability to travel occasionally for donor meetings and work some evenings/weekends
Bachelor's degree in Communication Or Marketing Or in related field(s)
Experience working in higher education administration or governmental administration (e.g., federal, state or local legislative or executive administration)

Responsibilities

Overseeing and reviewing development efforts and related content creation, ensuring clear, engaging communications
Managing leadership objectives, strategies and plans for organizational development, aligning messaging and supporting organizational change initiatives
Leading development efforts including documentation, database stewardship, and social media presence
Works with IACS president to develop and implement a written annual and long-term strategic fundraising plan aligned with the Institute's academic goals and mission
Managing public communications efforts, maintaining the continuity and consistency of IACS supporters’ experience
Aiding the cultivation of a culture of belonging, trust and transparency, sharing information broadly, openly and deliberately in support of IACS’ mission
Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with IACS supporters and a wide variety of team peers and leaders
Actively embodying core USC, Dornsife, and IACS values and behaviors (e.g., accountability, ethics, best-in-class professional service)
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested