Associate Vice President, Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives

The Office of USC Communications invites applications for an Associate Vice President, Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives (AVP) to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s executive communications function. The AVP reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications and serves as a key advisor to the President and senior leadership on messaging strategy, executive positioning, and institutional communications.
Key Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and execute communications materials for the President and senior leadership that align with university priorities and enhance the institution’s global presence.
Serve as the final editor for all presidential communications prior to submission to the Office of the President.
Manage executive communications, projects, and a team of professionals, including oversight of the executive speechwriting function.
Direct the creation of speeches, scripts, talking points, correspondence, board communications, and digital content representing the President.
Partner with senior leadership to craft issue‑related communications and strategic messaging initiatives.
Identify and develop content for strategic communications, including op‑eds, speeches, social media, and multimedia materials.
Oversee content strategy and management for presidential and institutional initiatives to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with university goals.
Manage and develop content for the President’s official social media channels, ensuring consistent voice, tone, and branding.
Establish and analyze metrics to evaluate engagement and effectiveness of communications strategies.
Advise the President on messaging strategy, speech development, and executive positioning.
Collaborate with senior administrators, policy advisors, and communications staff to ensure cohesive messaging across the university.
Handle highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and strong political judgment.
Build relationships across campus to identify and elevate stories that reflect the university’s impact.
Foster a workplace culture aligned with the USC Code of Ethics.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Ten (10) or more years of professional experience writing for organizational executive leadership.
Experience in journalism and/or public relations, writing for leaders of organizations across multiple formats.
Strategic communications experience at a large, complex organization.
Proficiency in grammar, syntax, and AP style.
Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision‑making skills, and advanced political acumen.
Expert knowledge of communications principles, concepts, and practices, including technical requirements in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides and project management software.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage time‑sensitive matters, meet strict deadlines, and accomplish high‑profile and confidential tasks.
Superior interpersonal, analytical, and written and oral communication skills facilitating executive‑level decision making.
Experience interacting with a broad spectrum of leaders and community members, exercising diplomacy, good judgment, and discretion.
Ability to present ideas and solutions in non‑technical, business‑friendly terms and translate complex ethical, legal, and compliance concepts.
Proven facilitation and negotiation skills and ability to manage highly confidential, complex, and politically sensitive matters.
Experience with office management communication software/tools (e.g., Google Suite, Slack, Skype) and social media management.
Demonstrated success in managing communications, projects, and a team of professionals.
Exceptional writing and storytelling ability, turning complex information into compelling, concise, and persuasive communications.
Deep familiarity with the issues, structures, and audiences within the higher education landscape.
Experience working with administrative, governance, budget, and employment policies.
Preferred Qualifications

Twelve (12) years of professional experience in communications content or speechwriting at a public or private higher education institution, particularly with a president and/or senior leadership.
Ability to handle constructive feedback and adapt quickly to meet assignment needs, including delivering multiple revisions and seeking approval within matrixed organizations.
Experience working in higher education administration or governmental administration (e.g., federal, state, or local legislative or executive administration).
Experience with administrative, governance, budget, and employment policies and processes.
Advanced facilitation and negotiation skills in highly confidential, complex, and politically sensitive contexts.
Compensation and Benefits

Annual base salary range: $255,000 – $270,000.
USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to support health, wealth, and future planning for employees and their families.
Application Requirements

Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment).
Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law and will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
Contact

For questions about access or reasonable accommodations, contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821‑8100 or by email at uschr@usc.edu.

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