Overview
The Office of USC Communications is seeking an Associate Vice President, University Marketing (AVP) to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university's brand, global reputation, and marketing initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President of Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives, this senior leader is responsible for advancing institutional visibility and driving marketing strategies that support enrollment, fundraising, and overall growth.
The AVP leads the university's integrated marketing efforts, overseeing brand strategy, creative content, and digital marketing to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and central communications processes. The position works closely with executive leadership and campus partners to guide marketing operations, strengthen cross‑functional collaboration, and deliver high‑impact campaigns that elevate the university's presence locally, nationally, and globally.
This role requires a forward‑thinking leader with strong analytical and strategic capabilities, deep expertise in brand and digital marketing, and the ability to leverage emerging technologies to drive measurable results in a complex organizational environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing strategic leadership in defining and advancing the university's brand identity, positioning, and visibility across all channels.
- Leading the development, execution, and evaluation of integrated, multi‑channel marketing campaigns that enhance brand awareness and engagement among target audiences.
- Overseeing digital marketing strategy, including web presence, and providing leadership on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and other innovations.
- Utilizing data, market research, and performance analytics to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and drive measurable outcomes.
- Directing and developing high‑performing teams, managing budgets, and overseeing external agency partnerships.
- Fostering collaboration across creative, digital, web, enrollment, alumni relations, and academic leadership to ensure alignment and impact.
- Designing and delivering audience‑centric strategies and content experiences across digital platforms to effectively reach diverse audiences.
- Ensuring consistency in messaging, brand standards, and alignment with institutional priorities across all marketing initiatives.
- Encouraging a workplace culture where all employees are valued and contribute meaningfully, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
Perform other related duties as assigned. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, computer science or business administration.
- 10 years of progressive marketing leadership experience with an organization.
- Demonstrated success in enrollment and growth marketing, brand strategy, and digital performance marketing within complex organizations.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.
- Proven experience leading high‑performing teams, managing significant budgets, and influencing senior leaders and cross‑functional teams partners.
- Applied expertise in brand management, digital marketing, emerging technologies including AI tools, and integrated content strategy.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, with strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree.
- 15+ years of progressive marketing leadership experience with an organization.
Salary & Benefits
The annual base salary range for this position is $260,000–$275,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To support faculty and staff well‑being, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.
Application Requirements
Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment).
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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