📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Advisor I
🔹 Company: USAA
🔹 Location: San Antonio Home Office II/III, San Antonio, Texas, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (In-office 4 days per week)
🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Planning and implementing strategic communications programs for business initiatives
- Managing relationships and communications channels to position products and services effectively
- Providing counsel and advice regarding communications plans, strategies, and tactics
- Working closely with stakeholders and business partners to integrate deliverables with communications plans
- Resolving issues and navigating obstacles to deliver work products
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills. It involves working closely with various teams to ensure consistent and effective communication of business initiatives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develops, maintains, and implements complex communications programs/plans that identify key messages, target audiences, and intended outcomes
✅ Assesses program or plan effectiveness
✅ Works closely with all stakeholders and business partners to integrate and align deliverables with communications plans and programs
✅ Resolves issues and navigates obstacles to deliver work product
✅ Writes, edits, and/or oversees development of appropriately styled communications
✅ May coordinate necessary approvals and/or produce and deliver critical messages for senior leaders
✅ Uses technical and business knowledge proficiency to provide communications guidance to clients and business partners
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required. 4 additional years of related experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
Experience: 4 or more years of corporate communications, public relations, journalism/news media, or related work experience.
Required Skills:
- Proficient communication skills, including experience producing content for multiple channels
- Proficient experience consulting with senior management in a business environment
- Proficient project management skills
- Proficient knowledge of the function/discipline and demonstrated application of knowledge, skills, and abilities towards work products required
- Proficient level of business acumen in the areas of business operations, industry practices, and emerging trends required
Preferred Skills:
- 2 or more years of Banking experience
- 2 or more years of experience writing bank-focused member-facing operational communications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with all levels of stakeholders
- 2 or more years of experience editing and proof-reading content
- U.S. military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, equivalent experience may be considered. Strong communication skills and business acumen are essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $69,920 - $133,620 per year. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) and pension plans
- Life insurance
- Parental benefits and adoption assistance
- Paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours
- Wellness programs, career path planning, and continuing education
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, requiring in-office presence 4 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on USAA's market data and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and location. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employees' physical, financial, and emotional wellness.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services. USAA specializes in providing a range of financial services to the military community and their families.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, USAA offers diverse career opportunities and extensive resources for employees.
Founded: 1922. USAA has a long history of serving the military community and has established itself as a destination employer for passionate people.
Company Description:
- USAA's mission is to provide a range of highly competitive products, exceptional service, and trusted advice to the military community and their families
- The company aims to be the military community's provider of choice by offering dedicated team members who share their core values of service, loyalty, honesty, and integrity
- USAA is committed to facilitating the financial security of its members and their families
Company Specialties:
- Insurance
- Investments
- Financial Planning
- Banking
- Serving the Military Community
- Military Friendly Employer
- Employee well-being
- World-class Benefits
- Customer Service
- Risk Management
- Audit and Compliance
Company Website: http://www.usaajobs.com
ASSUMPTION: USAA's focus on the military community sets it apart from other financial services companies. Its commitment to its core values is evident in its mission and the way it treats its employees and members.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills, placing it at the mid-level of the communications career path.
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Communications Manager and works closely with various teams, including business partners and senior leaders.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid. The role requires an in-office presence 4 days per week, with the remaining day(s) worked remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior communications roles, such as Communications Manager or Director
- Expansion into related fields, such as public relations, marketing, or corporate communications
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving business results and enhancing USAA's reputation
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within USAA's communications department and across the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: USAA's offices are designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with modern facilities and amenities to support employees' productivity and well-being.
Office Location(s): San Antonio, TX (Home Office II/III), Plano, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Colorado Springs, CO, Charlotte, NC, Chesapeake, VA, Tampa, FL
Geographic Context:
- San Antonio, TX: USAA's headquarters, offering a vibrant city life with a rich history and cultural scene
- Plano, TX: A suburban city near Dallas, known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere
- Phoenix, AZ: A bustling city with a desert climate, offering numerous outdoor activities and cultural attractions
- Colorado Springs, CO: A city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, providing easy access to outdoor recreation and a high quality of life
- Charlotte, NC: A major city in the southeastern United States, known for its financial sector and diverse cultural scene
- Chesapeake, VA: A city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- Tampa, FL: A coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico, known for its beaches, museums, and family attractions
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work one day per week.
ASSUMPTION: USAA's offices provide a collaborative and engaging work environment, with opportunities for employees to connect and build relationships with colleagues across the organization.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screen with a recruiter
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the senior leader or panel
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Project management and organizational skills
- Business acumen and understanding of USAA's mission and values
- Cultural fit and alignment with USAA's core values
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of USAA's mission and values in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your communication and project management skills to discuss during the interview
- Research USAA's recent initiatives and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's success
ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Project Management, Content Production, Stakeholder Engagement, Editing, Proofreading, Business Acumen, Strategic Planning, Banking, Member-Facing Communications, Military Community
ASSUMPTION: USAA's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, ensuring they are well-suited for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Design and content creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team and the projects being worked on. However, strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools is essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Service: USAA is dedicated to serving its members and employees, putting their needs first
- Loyalty: USAA is committed to building long-term relationships with its members and employees
- Honesty: USAA values transparency and integrity in all its interactions with members and employees
- Integrity: USAA upholds the highest ethical standards in its business practices and employee conduct
Work Style:
- Collaborative: USAA encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to drive business results
- Adaptable: USAA values employees who can adapt to change and embrace new challenges
- Innovative: USAA fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages employees to think creatively
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your commitment to USAA's core values in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or project scope?
- How do you approach collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
ASSUMPTION: USAA's culture is built on its core values, and employees who embody these values are essential to the company's success. Prospective employees should carefully consider how their personal values and work style align with USAA's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously may require strong organizational and time management skills
- Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines may present challenges for those who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
- Balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution may require strong problem-solving and adaptability skills
- Working with sensitive or confidential information may require a high level of discretion and attention to detail
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for professional growth and development within USAA's communications department and across the organization.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Specialist: This role focuses more on tactical execution and day-to-day communications tasks, while the Communications Advisor I role requires a balance of strategic thinking and tactical execution
- Public Relations Specialist: This role focuses more on media relations and external communications, while the Communications Advisor I role is more focused on internal and stakeholder communications
- Marketing Coordinator: This role focuses more on marketing campaigns and customer acquisition, while the Communications Advisor I role is more focused on strategic communications planning and execution
ASSUMPTION: While these roles share some similarities, the Communications Advisor I role is unique in its focus on strategic communications planning and execution, as well as its emphasis on stakeholder engagement and management.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan for a major business initiative, including key messaging, target audience identification, and channel selection
- Managing a cross-functional team to produce a high-impact report or presentation for senior leadership
- Editing and proofreading a series of member-facing communications to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with USAA's brand voice and style guidelines
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Communications Advisor I role, from strategic planning and project management to tactical execution and stakeholder engagement.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role and how I would be spending my time?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and departments within USAA?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the communications department or USAA as a whole, and how would this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does USAA support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to USAA's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication and project management skills to discuss during the interview
- Research USAA's recent initiatives and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's success
- Follow up with the recruiter 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.
