Application Process:

To be considered, please submit the following

• Current Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Portfolio with three applicable business writing samples

(tip: these can be added at same point as you are adding resume/CV in the application process)

Who We Are

The Office of the Provost provides academic leadership to the University of Southern California. Its fundamental task is to ensure excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. Andrew Guzman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, is USC’s second-ranking official and the chief academic officer. He oversees 18 of the university’s professional schools and academic units, in addition to USC Museums, and the divisions of student affairs, libraries, student religious and spiritual life, and enrollment services.

Job Summary

The Office of the Provost is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to provide, under consultation with the Provost and Provost’s Chief of Staff, leadership for and development of all Provost-related communication channels and endeavors. This role interacts with leaders and employees across the University to align Provost communication efforts to the core academic mission while maintaining an efficient and collegial workspace. Attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to preserve confidentiality are required.

The Senior Communications Specialist will report to the Provost.

Job responsibilities include:

• Under consultation of the Provost and Chief of Staff, provides leadership for development of communication objectives, strategies, and plans for the Office of the Provost and projects for which the Provost acts as executive sponsor.
• Develops, reviews, and disseminates clear, engaging communications to a broad range of employees, partners, and stakeholders overseen by the Office of the Provost.
• Develops content for publications and presentations (e.g., websites, newsletters, leadership talking points, etc.).
• Composes and produces a variety of business correspondence, reports, confidential documents and/or forms, and related materials.

• Collaborates with teams internally and externally across the University to align messaging with the academic mission and values of USC.
• Manages relationships and build partnerships across the University, including with University Communication, USC Social Media Council, as well as with school-based communications offices and units that report to the Provost.

• Supports efforts to streamline messaging, providing consultation support to leaders, departments, and project teams.
• Leads development efforts regarding documentation, intranet, and social media presence. Reviews and manages changes and updates to antiquated or obsolete documentation.
• Manages departmental public relations efforts, maintaining customer-experience continuity and
• consistency for a school or division’s brand, image, and voice.
• Defines communication and distribution policies and procedures, developing and refining staff distribution channels and style guides.
• Maintains currency with technology, standards, and best practices.
• Supports process improvement efforts within and across teams.
• Conducts research appropriate to craft associated communications, presentations, talking points, and more.
• Maintains unit or departmental database and related records.
• Ensures confidentiality and controls access to sensitive information such as faculty or staff personnel files.
• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Social Media

• Creates strategic social media plan and content to increase the visibility of the Provost Office while engaging students, alumni, and the campus community.
• Manages and creates content for all social media accounts and takeovers, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
• Monitors responses on social presences, including troubleshooting issues as they arise through all social media avenues.
• Conducts routine research to understand trends as they relate to content and social media strategy. Makes recommendations based on research, trends, etc.
• Attends off-site events and photo shoots as necessary to garner content for social platforms.
• Compiles monthly reports to measure results and optimize strategy and tactics.

Website

• Manages and maintains content for the Office of the Provost Website and affiliate webpages such as Dean Search webpages.
• Crafts faculty spotlight messages and news stories about campus activities for publication on the Office of the Provost website.
• Recommends and develops engaging web content and strategies for the Provost and the Office of the Provost website.

The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field
• Minimum five years of experience in related communications roles with strong background in web and content management (must provide examples of work)

• Three+ years of experience in higher education is ideal
• Excellent knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media best practices

• Knowledge in Photoshop, In Design, Illustrator, and Creative Suite
• Exceptional skill in writing, rewriting, copyediting, and proofreading
• Demonstrated experience in typography, layout, and composition
• Demonstrated Drupal, WordPress, HTML, or digital content management systems experience

• Strong knowledge and understanding of digital media
• Working knowledge of Concur, Workday, SharePoint, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and other university systems is ideal
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and Dropbox
• Maintains confidentiality and tact in all communications; conducts daily activities with utmost professionalism
• Able to quickly find accurate information from both university and outside sources

• Excellent written and oral communication, organization, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attitude and dedicated team player
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong ability to manage several different projects simultaneously on tight deadlines
• Ability to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

The salary range for this position is $97,500 to $104,000. 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 equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.