Senior Communications and Development Specialist

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).

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• A combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education of 5 years in communications, marketing, higher education or related fields.
• 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.