Senior Communications Specialist
About the role
The USC Iovine and Young Academy is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join its Development and External Relations team. Founded in 2013 through a visionary gift from Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, the USC Iovine and Young Academy offers an educational experience that brings together unprecedented combinations of knowledge, skills and premier professional opportunities. The Academy prepares the next generation of innovators, technology developers and creative strategists to lead with empathy and drive innovation for positive impact. The Senior Communications Specialist develops and executes integrated communications strategies that advance the Academy’s priorities, reputation and visibility. Serving as a strategic partner to Academy leadership, this position creates audience-specific communications for students and families, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, industry and community partners, university leadership, media and the broader public. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and strategic thinker who can translate complex and interdisciplinary work into clear, engaging communications across multiple platforms. The position will develop and execute executive communications, editorial and digital content, media relations, institutional and philanthropic storytelling, and communications supporting major initiatives and events.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that advance Academy priorities, reputation and visibility.
- Serve as a strategic communications partner to the dean, Development and External Relations leadership and other Academy leaders.
- Develop communications plans and messaging for major initiatives, partnerships, program launches, announcements and events.
- Write and edit executive communications, including speeches, talking points, presentations, correspondence, announcements and briefing materials.
- Identify and develop compelling stories featuring Academy students, faculty, alumni, programs, research, ventures, partnerships and philanthropic impact.
- Create, write and edit content across newsletters, email campaigns, publications, donor communications and other digital and print platforms.
- Manage the Academy’s editorial calendar to ensure communications are coordinated, timely and aligned with strategic priorities.
- Lead public and media relations efforts, including developing press materials, pitching stories, responding to media inquiries, preparing individuals for interviews and identifying thought-leadership opportunities.
- Develop, write, edit, design and manage content for the Academy’s website, digital communications and social media channels, ensuring consistent messaging, voice and editorial quality.
- Partner with Development and External Relations leadership to develop and execute communications strategies and materials that support donor communications, stewardship, fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement and industry partnerships.
- Provide strategic communications guidance to the Director of Events in support of major Academy events.
- Develop and execute communications strategies and materials in support of the dean’s initiatives and other high-profile Academy activities.
- Manage multiple communications projects from concept through completion, including timelines, deliverables and review processes.
- Ensure communications align with USC and Academy brand, editorial, accessibility and visual identity standards.
- Monitor communications performance and use audience insights and analytics to refine strategies and improve engagement.
- Coordinate the work of photographers, videographers, designers, freelancers, agencies and other creative partners, as needed.