Associate Vice President of Advancement Marketing & Communications

Department: USC Communications, AdvancementOverview: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 communicationExpertise 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 communicationDemonstrated 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.Candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents residing in the United States.USC is a smoke-free environmentUSC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security ReportAffirmative Action and Equal Opportunity PlanPay Transparency Non-DiscriminationUSC is an E-Verify EmployerDigital AccessibilityIf you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$118197.htmldSummaryLocation: Los Angeles, CA - University Park CampusType: Full time