Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

🔹 Company: University of Southern California

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, CA - Downtown

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Communications, Advancement

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-03

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing strategic content to inspire, promote, and acknowledge gifts to USC
• Providing creative support for Annual Giving, Donor Relations, or Planned Giving teams
• Coordinating, developing, writing, and editing clear, compelling, and brand-compliant copy for various communications
• Overseeing review and approval processes and delivering final products on established timelines
• Conducting independent research and partnering with subject matter experts and prospect managers to develop programmatic and storytelling content

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Inspires, promotes, and acknowledges gifts to USC through strategic content

✅ Provides strategic direction and direct creative support for the respective team (Annual Giving, Donor Relations, or Planned Giving)

✅ Coordinates, develops, writes, and edits clear, compelling, and brand-compliant copy for various communications

✅ Oversees review and approval processes and delivers final products on established timelines

✅ Conducts independent research and partners with subject matter experts and prospect managers to develop programmatic and storytelling content

✅ Develops and maintains current knowledge of university priorities, brand, style, and stories

✅ Supports a variety of University Advancement communications projects and goals by providing general writing and editing support for marketing collateral and other materials that support fundraising and stewardship

✅ Other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the team the Assistant Director supports (Annual Giving, Donor Relations, or Planned Giving).

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 3 years’ experience in marketing

Required Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of marketing and business management
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, and methodology of marketing
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree

ASSUMPTION: Combined experience/education can substitute for minimum education and minimum experience.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,089.00 - $107,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network
• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet the Program's eligibility
• Tuition benefits for staff and their family
• Free professional development online courses
• Central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pick-up services
• Discounts to football, basketball, and other campus events

Working Hours: Full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job description. Actual offers may vary based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Founded: 1880 (as a private research university)

Company Description:

• USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, California
• It is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and interprofessional health care system
• USC is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves, both locally and globally

Company Specialties:

• Research
• Healthcare
• Education
• Community Engagement

Company Website: usc.edu

ASSUMPTION: USC is a large, well-established university with a strong reputation in various fields, offering a comprehensive range of academic programs and research opportunities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level professional

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Senior Director of Communications

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a Senior Director role
• Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University Advancement division and the broader university community.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Downtown Los Angeles office located adjacent to the main campus

Office Location(s): USC Tower, 635 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089

Geographic Context:

• Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, with a diverse population and a thriving cultural scene
• The downtown area is home to various businesses, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues
• The University of Southern California is a major employer and contributor to the local economy

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for the hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The downtown Los Angeles location offers easy access to public transportation, cultural attractions, and other amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final interview with the Senior Director of Communications
• Background check and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Marketing and business management knowledge
• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Alignment with USC’s Unifying Values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for the specific role you are applying for
• Include three writing samples, showcasing your ability to develop strategic content for various communications
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with marketing, communication, and collaboration
• Research USC’s mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the university

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Advancement, Fundraising, Stewardship, Strategic Content, Brand Compliance, Persuasive Writing, Storytelling, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: USC uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application get noticed.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the team the Assistant Director supports (Annual Giving, Donor Relations, or Planned Giving).

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence
• Integrity
• Community
• Respect
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Dynamic
• Fast-paced
• Results-driven
• Creative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with USC’s Unifying Values, particularly in the context of this role?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines?
• How do you approach collaboration and teamwork, particularly when working with multiple stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: USC values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to its Unifying Values and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing the needs and priorities of various stakeholders (e.g., donors, university leadership, team members)
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
• Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple departments and teams

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to communication and collaboration.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on strategic content development for advancement communications within a university setting
• Similar roles in other industries may include Marketing Manager, Content Strategist, or Communications Specialist, but may not involve the same level of focus on fundraising and stewardship
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in university advancement, communications, or marketing, depending on the individual’s interests and skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to develop strategic content for advancement communications within a university setting, with potential for growth and development in various directions.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a multi-channel stewardship campaign to acknowledge and celebrate a significant donation to the university
• Creating a series of impact reports to showcase the impact of donor contributions on various university initiatives
• Designing and implementing a targeted marketing campaign to promote a new planned giving program

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the strategic nature of the content development required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team dynamics and how the Assistant Director role fits into the broader communications structure?
• How does this role contribute to the university’s overall advancement and fundraising efforts?
• What are the most pressing priorities for the team in the first 90 days, and how can the Assistant Director help address them?
• How does USC support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications and advancement fields?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the university’s priorities, enabling them to make an informed decision about their fit for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalUSCCareers/job/Los-Angeles-CA---Downtown/Assistant-Director-of-Advancement-Communications_REQ20156833
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for the specific role you are applying for
• Include three writing samples, showcasing your ability to develop strategic content for various communications
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with marketing, communication, and collaboration
• Research USC’s mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the university
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.