Senior Communications Specialist - Outreach

USAC's target compensation range for a new hire into this position is $80,000 - $106,000 USD per year. Actual salary may vary depending on job-related factors based on knowledge, skills, and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. In addition, this position may be eligible for an annual performance bonus. USAC has a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k), FSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Commuter Benefits, and Wellness Programs.
Why Work Here?

Our mission to achieve universal service addresses America's current critical needs to build out broadband capabilities for telehealth, online learning, and keeping families connected. Join us and help USAC accomplish our mission to bridge the digital divide. Through its administration of the $10 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) programs on behalf of the FCC, USAC works to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable rates and to increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the nation.

Additional information on USF programs can be found at: https://www.usac.org/about/

Benefits

USAC supports our employees well beyond their salary with a system of benefits that rivals the top organizations in the country. Simply put: if you are committed to improving the lives of others, we are committed to improving yours. USAC provides low-premium, top-of-the-line medical, dental, and vision insurance in addition to disability and life coverage. Generous 401k contribution, Federal and floating holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time that increases every year. Regular telework schedule and opportunities to take professional development courses and training.

A Multicultural Team

We have actively built an organization that doesn't just celebrate our diversity; we depend on it. The challenges of achieving universal service require creative and unique perspectives. Our accepting and inclusive community will challenge you to grow and learn from others while always recognizing the value of your contribution.

USAC employees are passionate about our mission. Our work contributes to the success of all Americans. We've worked together to build a culture that is collaborative, ambitious, outcome-oriented, and feedback-focused. As USAC continues to support universal service impacting healthcare providers, educators, and consumers, it is critical now more than ever that we hire people equally passionate and committed to helping fulfill our mission. We are currently seeking a dynamic and collaborative professional to serve as a Senior Communications Specialist.

This is an outstanding career opportunity for an individual interested in a genuine professional challenge in support of a public-spirited mission.

Working in a creative and fast-paced environment, the Senior Communications Specialist supports the development and execution of effective communication strategies for our target audiences. The Senior Communications Specialist works to ensure stakeholders are kept informed and motivated, and that our communications are consistent, clear, relevant, and timely. Specifically, the Senior Communications Specialist will ensure that USAC employs proper methods of communicating with stakeholders: email communications, website content, conference calls, and trainings (web-based and in-person). The Senior Communications Specialist will work with members of the program communications teams, along with the relevant USAC support divisions, to maintain open and clear communications, purpose of message, and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications plans and campaigns, targeted specifically for relevant stakeholder audiences.
• Ensure all USAC-wide initiatives, changes, and projects are successfully communicated to all relevant audiences in conjunction with USAC leadership goals.
• Coordinate communications goals, efforts, and strategies with respective communications teams and supporting divisions to ensure consistency of message, timing, and delivery.
• Manage, oversee, and promote best practices for communication tools such as webinar hosting (e.g., GoToWebinar), websites, training content, New Briefs, and/or marketing automation (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud) platforms.
• Fully understand, adhere to, and promote USAC brand standards, voice and tone guidelines, content guides, 508 compliance standards, writing for the web best practices, etc.
• Respond to stakeholder feedback and adjust communications content accordingly.
• Continuously monitor, measure, and improve the effectiveness of communication initiatives through the use of metrics and data insights where possible, which may include SiteImprove website details, stakeholder survey results, Customer Service feedback, and UX testing results.
• Serve as Project Manager and develop proactive change management strategies when necessary to share critical information, and/or hold stakeholders accountable, communicating effectively across project stakeholders, and coordinating content.
• Work collaboratively across all levels of the company, from executive leaders to non-management employees, to gather information, analyze it and create content, articles, stories, white papers, presentations, etc.
• Develop content for meetings and presentations and deliver presentations (i.e., organizational events, all-staff meetings, Lunch and Learns, Bulletins, News Briefs).
• Collaborate with various internal teams (i.e., IT, stakeholder engagement, operations, etc.) as well as external vendors and consultants to meet timelines and address any challenges and priorities.
• Other duties, assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

About You

The successful candidate will excel at operating in a diverse and fluid environment and will be crucial for the success of the Schools and Libraries Division.

• Bachelor's degree and/or relevant technical training and certifications.
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of directly related experience.
• One (1) to Two (2) years of operational and/or technical experience.
• Three (3) years of marketing, communications, or project management experience.
• Ability to build strong relationships and engage and motivate teams representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
• Experience managing projects and ensuring effective change management, while coordinating with others working towards the same outcome.
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategic plans and campaigns.
• Effective verbal skills, including presentation delivery and public speaking skills.
• Excellent written communication skills, including editing skills and familiarity following guidelines (e.g., voice and tone guidelines, Style Guide standards)
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to building relationships across multiple divisions.
• Experience with reporting and evaluating communication effectiveness.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Knowledge of website content best practices, and experience with survey and data collection/analysis.
• Experience using website content management platforms (such as WordPress) and marketing automation software (such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
• Ability to differentiate various external audience needs and familiarity with developing communications to target/segment based on those needs.
• Ability to manage relationships with both internal and external customers, with a focus on customer service.
• Consultation, analytical, and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to challenges.

USAC is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. All offers of employment with USAC are conditioned on completing and passing a background and reference check. USAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No agencies, please.