Senior Communications and Development Specialist

USC·Workday

Los Angeles, CAFull-time$97k–$110kPosted Jul 4, 2026

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist in the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies (IACS) is a national and global research center at the University of Southern California. Our work focuses on bringing the Catholic intellectual tradition to bear on the key challenges facing modern society, including contributing to the ongoing development of Catholic theology and ethics for today’s society. But our mission is also much broader, encompassing Catholicism’s dialogue with science and technology, the social sciences, the humanities, and the legal and medical professions. IACS also promotes collaboration with secular thinkers and other religions. We ask hard questions and explore new answers in light of the Catholic tradition and emerging new research.

The Senior Communications Specialist will support the organizational development of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC.

Responsibilities will include:

Overseeing and reviewing development efforts and related content creation, ensuring clear, engaging communications
Managing leadership objectives, strategies and plans for organizational development, aligning messaging and supporting organizational change initiatives
Leading development efforts including documentation, database stewardship, and social media presence. Works with IACS president to develop and implement a written annual and long-term strategic fundraising plan aligned with the Institute's academic goals and mission
Managing public communications efforts, maintaining the continuity and consistency of IACS supporters’ experience
Aiding the cultivation of a culture of belonging, trust and transparency, sharing information broadly, openly and deliberately in support of IACS’ mission
Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with IACS supporters and a wide variety of team peers and leaders
Actively embodying core USC, Dornsife, and IACS values and behaviors (e.g., accountability, ethics, best-in-class professional service).

Preferred qualifications:

A deep understanding of the mission of higher education and the Catholic intellectual tradition
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to understand and articulate IACS' mission, the role of Catholic ideas in that mission, and the Institute's specific vision
Proficiency in database management (e.g., AirTable, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar)
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies across California communities, including scholars, clergy, and laypersons from the Catholic and other traditions
Spanish or other 2nd language proficiency
Ability to travel occasionally for donor meetings and work some evenings/weekends

Salary range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $97,000-$110,000. 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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is gift-funded.

The Senior Communications Specialist performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree

Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years in communications, marketing, higher education or related fields.

Minimum Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, and proven copy editing experience. Exemplary understanding of the nuanced messaging required for various audiences and distribution channels. Demonstrated experience managing public relations and developing social media presence for an organization, and solid grasp of professionally utilizing social media platforms. Experience with large and complex distribution lists. Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements. Ability to build, develop, and manage positive working relationships and rapport with wide-ranging, high-performing teams. Proven ability to provide both detailed information as well as summaries to management-level individuals and groups, and experience presenting technical topics to non-technical audiences.
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Communication Or Marketing Or in related field(s)

Preferred Skills: Experience working in higher education administration or governmental administration (e.g., federal, state or local legislative or executive administration).

USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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 D for 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.

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