Content Creator / Editor and Digital Marketing Specialist (Office of the Dean)

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 become a part of a world-class research university and join the strong network of outstanding faculty, students, and staff that comprise the “Trojan Family”.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is seeking a full time Content Creator / Editor and Digital Marketing Specialist to find, create, and develop stories and other content for digital, print and other media forms such as podcasts and videos. The position is also responsible for directly editing content on multiple websites (as well as the project management for such sites) and managing a variety of digital channels. Further, they will help steer the school’s communication and marketing efforts through suggestion and implementation of innovative digital processes. The successful candidate will have experience with science/research/engineering writing (or other content creation) for a general audience and demonstrated ability to manage a cms driven websites as well as other digital platforms and channels. The Person will be responsible for finding newsworthy stories within the school as well as in our various departments/units; interviewing faculty and students; checking resources, and providing images or graphics to accompany.

Job Accountabilities:

• Writes, produces and edits content for University, school, and/or department, such as advertising copy, articles, books, brochures, bulletins, catalogs, newsletters, etc. Interviews sources when appropriate. Identifies and determines topics or subjects for various projects.

• Designs and creates stories and other online content using current digital tools. Determines type(s) of artwork (e.g. illustrations, photos, charts, graphs, design covers) to accompany stories while considering compatibility, content, audience, style, format, intent, etc.

• Interprets technical, specialized and/or academic material from a wide variety of disciplines or sources to produce communication pieces for a general audience.

• Schedules and coordinates all aspects of publication production in order to meet all applicable deadlines.

• Maintains editorial writing quality for the University, school, and/or department's website. Monitors appropriate style and standard guidelines for website, as needed. Ensures accuracy and completeness of projects

• Evaluates audience response (analytics) to content and/or publications and follows-up effectiveness. Makes recommendations for future publications.

• Interacts with all internal and external sources necessary to successfully complete assignments.

• Maintains and modifies various websites and digital channels including content, graphical and multimedia displays, and communications. Gathers feedback for improvement and enhancement. Tests, maintains and ensures functionality of links. Monitors channels for consistency, cross-referencing and compliance with university standards for channel content and development.

• Consults with faculty and staff, such as writers, graphic designers, managers and administrators, to design, develop and implement webpages and other digital channels. Advises personnel and/or departments on the proper production, technical and design technique specific to digital development.

• Uses innovative digital methods such as 3prd party digital platforms, scripting, or coding to enhance digital content management procedures, analytics / data feedback and digital story telling.

• Participates in the development of policies, procedures and guidelines regarding school or department website development and maintenance.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Education:              Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Experience:            2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience with writing, editing, proofreading, and the preparation of materials for publishing. Working knowledge of desktop publishing and word processing. Experience in web and digital media content management.

                                                Existing knowledge (or a keen interest to learn about) various other forms of digital story telling (i.e podcast, videos, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education:               Master’s Degree

Preferred Experience:               3 years

Preferred Field of Expertise: Background experience in science writing a plus. Experience in PR/Communications a plus.

                                                Experience with current content creation platforms and / or any experience with scripting, coding, or web development a plus.

.