Associate Vice President, Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives

The Office of USC Communications is seeking an

Associate Vice President, Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives

(AVP) to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s executive communications function. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Communications, this role serves as a key advisor to the President and senior leadership on messaging strategy, executive positioning, and institutional communications.

The AVP oversees the executive speechwriting function for the President and works in close partnership with senior university leadership and University Communications to shape messaging that advances the institution’s mission, reputation, and strategic priorities. This position ensures consistency of voice and alignment across all presidential communications while directing high‑impact materials including speeches, correspondence, board communications, and digital content.

The AVP leads the executive communications team, manages complex communications initiatives, and collaborates with administrators, policy advisors, and deans to deliver cohesive, strategic messaging across the university. This role also guides major campaigns and institutional initiatives, leveraging analytics and insights to evaluate effectiveness and inform future communications strategy.

This position requires exceptional judgment, political acumen, and the ability to manage highly sensitive and high‑profile communications with discretion and precision.

Key Responsibilities

Developing, coordinating, and executing communications materials for the President and senior leadership that align with university priorities and enhance the institution’s global presence

Serving as the final editor for all presidential communications prior to submission to the Office of the President

Managing executive communications, projects, and a team of professionals, including oversight of the executive speechwriting function

Directing the creation of speeches, scripts, talking points, correspondence, board communications, and digital content representing the President

Partnering with senior leadership to craft issue‑related communications and strategic messaging initiatives

Identifying and developing content for strategic communications, including op‑eds, speeches, social media, and multimedia materials

Overseeing content strategy and management for presidential and institutional initiatives to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with university goals

Managing and developing content for the President’s official social media channels, ensuring consistent voice, tone, and branding

Establishing and analyzing metrics to evaluate engagement and effectiveness of communications strategies

Advising the President on messaging strategy, speech development, and executive positioning

Collaborating with senior administrators, policy advisors, and communications staff to ensure cohesive messaging across the university

Handling highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and strong political judgment

Building relationships across campus to identify and elevate stories that reflect the university’s impact

Fostering a workplace culture aligned with the USC Code of Ethics

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, or a related field

10 years of professional experience in writing for organizational executive leadership

Experience in journalism and/or public relations, writing for leaders of organizations in multiple formats

Strategic communications experience at a large, complex organization

Proficiency with writing fundamentals (e.g., grammar, syntax, AP style)

Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision‑making skills, and advanced political acumen

Expert knowledge of communications principles and technical requirements in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and project management software

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, handle time‑sensitive matters, meet strict deadlines, and accomplish high‑profile and confidential tasks

Superior interpersonal, analytical, and written and oral communication skills to facilitate 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 with the capacity to turn complex information into compelling, concise, and persuasive communications

Deep familiarity with the issues, structures, and audiences within higher education

Experience with administrative, governance, budget, and employment policies

Preferred Qualifications

12 years of professional experience in communications content or speechwriting at a 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

Equal Opportunity Employer
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. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

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