Associate Vice President of Advancement Marketing & Communications

Department: USC Communications, Advancement

Overview:

As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a prime place to learn, grow, and succeed.

USC Communications is seeking a highly experienced, innovative, and strategic leader for the role of Associate Vice President of Advancement Marketing & Communications (AVP). The Communications team sets the strategic communications vision and marketing strategies that promote the campus community’s innovative accomplishments, builds a strong brand identity and nurtures the University’s reputation among its vast constituencies. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Executive Communications and Strategic Initiatives, the AVP will be instrumental in shaping and executing the strategic vision for Advancement Communications, driving transformative communications initiatives, and optimizing operational efficiency to advance USC’s mission and goals.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to USC’s advancement efforts, ensuring the success of a high-profile fundraising campaign and enhancing the university’s broader impact. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating strategic leadership through collaboration, exceptional attention to detail, and outstanding communication. They are driven by a commitment to excellence, setting high standards for themselves and inspiring the same in others.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the development, execution, and continuous optimization of integrated advancement communication strategies, enhancing alumni engagement, fundraising, and donor stewardship across USC while supporting executive-level communications and internal messaging.
• Provides strategic leadership to the Advancement Communications team, guiding the achievement of departmental and individual goals, while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Collaborates with the Senior Vice President to define and implement the annual strategic plan and budget for Advancement Communications, aligning resources with institutional priorities.
• Drives operational excellence by establishing and refining best practices and processes, increasing team efficiency and ensuring effective communications that elevate USC’s mission and impact.
• Partners with cross-functional teams to enhance and streamline advancement communications, ensuring cohesive, clear, and compelling messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Oversees a leadership team of 7 direct reports and a total staff of 21 responsible for communications across principal, major, planned, and annual giving, alumni association outreach, and donor relations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years’ experience in advancement or higher education communication.
• Expertise in writing, editing, and digital communications, with a strong grasp of core principles and emerging trends.
• Creative, organized leader with the ability to manage projects from concept to completion, while adapting to shifting priorities.
• Strong diplomatic skills and experience collaborating with senior executives, campus partners, and donors.
• Proven ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and influence outcomes across a diverse organization.
• Skilled in data analysis and translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Core Values: integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 years’ experience in advancement or higher education communication.
• Demonstrated expertise in advancement communications strategy.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence in our offices in the USC Tower located adjacent to campus in downtown Los Angeles.

Salary and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $223,072.40 - $255,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

Application Requirements:

Resume, cover letter, and three writing samples are required. Please do not submit your application without these documents.