Senior Content Writer and Editor

University Advancement is seeking a Senior Content Writer and Editor to join its Transformational Research and Special Projects team. Reporting to the Senior Director, the incumbent is responsible for researching, writing, editing, and producing executive briefing materials that support senior university leaders in fundraising and constituent engagement activities. This role synthesizes information from multiple sources into accurate, concise, and strategically aligned briefing materials for meetings with alumni, donors, trustees, parents, and other university constituents.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor with strong research and analytical skills, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling communications for executive audiences.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California’s mission, values, and goals. 
 

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of on-site presence in our University Park Campus offices.

Responsibilities

• Develop executive briefing materials that support senior university leaders in fundraising and constituent engagement activities.

• Research, synthesize, and analyze information from internal and external sources to produce accurate, timely, and strategically aligned briefing materials.

• Prepare briefing materials for meetings, events, and other engagements involving alumni, donors, trustees, parents, prospects, and friends of the university.

• Produce, edit, fact-check, and proofread briefing materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, clarity, and adherence to institutional voice and editorial standards.

• Develop collaborative relationships with advancement colleagues, academic leaders, and staff across the university to ensure briefing materials are accurate, relevant, and current.

• Maintain knowledge of university priorities, strategic initiatives, schools, units, and key stakeholders to support effective briefing development.

• Use approved AI-enabled tools, as appropriate, to support research, information synthesis, drafting, and editing while maintaining editorial judgment, accuracy, and institutional voice.

• Ensure adherence to ethical writing and research practices and applicable university policies regarding confidentiality, data privacy, and the handling of sensitive information.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Five years of professional experience in writing, editing, publication management, journalism, communications, or a related field.

• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate content.

• Thorough knowledge of editorial standards, publication practices, and content development techniques.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and departments and develop content for diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

• Commitment to USC's Unifying Values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related discipline.

• Experience developing executive communications, briefing materials, or strategic communications for senior leaders.

• Communications experience in a complex higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organization.

• Familiarity with fundraising CRMs (preferably Salesforce).

• Knowledge of advancement, philanthropy, or alumni relations.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume, cover letter, and two to three professional writing samples are required (may be uploaded as separate files or combined into a single PDF).

Writing samples should demonstrate experience producing polished communications for executive, professional, or institutional audiences. Please do not submit your application without these materials.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $96,000 - $102,000. 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 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.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise: Editing, publication management, journalism, or related field experience. Thorough knowledge of publications standards and techniques, design, printing, graphics, desktop publishing, word processing and photography. Ability to write and edit effectively at an advanced level.

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

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