REPORTS TO: Chief Administrative Officer, USC Alumni Association

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Communications for the USC Alumni Association is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that engage and cultivate relationships with USC’s extensive alumni community. As the creative engine behind the brands of the Alumni Association and Pastides Alumni Center, this strategic leadership position oversees all communications initiatives, including digital platforms, print publications, social media, website content, marketing plans and public relations efforts to advance our mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Strategy and Brand Development

• Shape and strengthen the visual and narrative identity of the USC Alumni Association and the Pastides Alumni Center.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that effectively engages alumni across multiple platforms and generations through creative concepts and marketing materials.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan for the Pastides Alumni Center.
• Ensure consistent brand standards across all platforms and across roles within the Association.
• Collaborate with USC Division of Marketing and USC Communications.
• Serve as primary communications strategist for major alumni initiatives, campaigns, and events.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure effectiveness of communications efforts, as well as utilize analytics tools to assess effectiveness and inform strategy adjustments.
• Manage communications budget, including print, digital and vendor expenses, and make recommendations for resource allocation to maximize communications effectiveness.

Content Development and Management

• Responsible for the creation of high-quality, brand-consistent content that tells compelling alumni stories, drives membership enrollment, markets the Association’s offerings and showcases the impact of the USC community.
• Oversee photography, videography and design projects from concept to completion.
• Lead social media strategy across all platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, etc.) to engage alumni and enhance the Association’s reputation
• Manage the editorial calendar for all communications channels.
• Oversee creation of all marketing content, social media and website for Pastides Alumni Center.
• Write and edit content for Association newsletters, impact report, email communications, website and other publications.
• Manage event collateral needs including invitations, signage and promotional materials
• Develop messaging to support institutional priorities including membership, alumni engagement, marketing and reputation enhancement.

Marketing and Campaign Execution

• Plan and implement multi-channel marketing and awareness campaigns for both the Alumni Association and Pastides Alumni Center.
• Manage timelines and deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within allocated resources.
• Develop audience segmentation strategies and targeted messaging to effectively reach diverse constituencies, using analytics to optimize reach and budget.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Collaborate with Association staff to align marketing efforts with each area’s priorities and goals.
• When needed, work closely with USC communications, development and alumni engagement staff to integrate communications into broader institutional goals.
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, oversee creation of all marketing partnership assets in support of revenue generation.
• In collaboration with the Director of Sales for the Pastides Alumni Center, oversee creation of all venue marketing and sales assets.
• Search out and execute partnerships with academic colleges, departments and campus units to generate alumni content and coordinate messaging.

Supervision and Team Development

• May supervise communications staff, interns or graduate assistants.
• Provide communications and brand guidance and professional development to Association staff members.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment where the best ideas rise to the top.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or related field required
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, public relations or related field
• Experience in higher education, alumni relations or nonprofit organizations preferred
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans
• Proven track record in digital and social media management
• Experience with website content management systems
• Portfolio demonstrating excellence in writing across various formats (web copy, feature writing, social media)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives
• Strong understanding of integrated marketing communications principles
• Proficiency in social media management, analytics and content creation
• Experience with email marketing platforms and customer relationship management (CRM) systems
• Knowledge of AP style and editorial best practices
• Graphic design literacy and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn USC history, traditions and culture
• Data-driven approach to communications with ability to analyze metrics and adjust strategies

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills or working conditions associated with the position. The USC Alumni Association reserves the right to modify job duties or descriptions as needed to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit the following to jobs@uscalumni.com:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
• Current resume
• Three writing samples demonstrating range across different formats (formal, web, news/feature, social media)
• List of three professional references

The USC Alumni Association is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.