Digital Content Manager

USC's University Communications department is looking for a collaborative Digital Content Manager to support the university's priorities. Reporting to the Director of Digital Strategy, the Digital Content Manager will play an essential role in the generation of digital content (inbound marketing) for owned media channels, primarily as the university works to expand those channels through new websites and digital initiatives. The manager needs to be a strong writer with best-in-class experience optimizing written content using leading SEO techniques for USC's digital audiences. The ideal candidate is well-versed in using WordPress or other similar content management publishing platforms.

Responsibilities include:

• Develops digital content strategy to supply gateway websites with fresh, relevant, and accurate content, in collaboration with the Director of Digital Strategy.
• Authors and generates new and original content, ensuring managed digital content is factually accurate and adheres to university editorial and brand standards.
• Optimizes content for digital distribution utilizing SEO best practices; experience writing for search optimization is essential with experience using Google Search Console and services such as SpyFu, SEMRush, etc.; identifies opportunities for new storytelling based on SEO, findings from metrics and priority-aligned trending topics in social media.
• Dynamically contributes to projects and initiatives geared toward improving the quality and reach of university content and improving the production and shareability of content.
• Actively builds relationships with cross-functional groups within University Communications and content creators from other communications groups across the university, operating as part of an integrated team and looking for opportunities to contribute expertise.
• Works with ITS to stand up new websites that support major university initiatives.
• Identifies opportunities for multimedia storytelling and works with the Creative Services team to source appropriate visual content, including images, illustrations, and videos
• Collaborates with the social media team on broader digital content campaigns.
• Stays abreast of the higher education content, developing recommendations for new and innovative content, including interactive pieces and features.
• Inspires creative approaches to content creation, nurturing innovative thinking and dynamic storytelling.
• Explains findings from measuring the success of SEO, social media, email, website and other media to content creators to build a culture of higher-performing content within University Communications.
• Educates other department staff on best practices in writing and optimizing for digital audiences.
• Works closely with the digital strategy director and University Communications marketing and social media staff to determine approval and resource allocation for new digital products requested by partners across the university.
• Manage and mentor the Digital Content Specialist role.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change responsibilities at any time.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field required

Preferred Experience:

• 6+ years of experience writing and implementing content and managing content strategy

Preferred Field of Expertise:

• Proven ability to define, monitor, and report key performance indicators to measure the value of content with experience developing consumer journeys, augmenting content strategy over time based on new learnings.
• Previous experience in content marketing or strategic communications within a large, multifaceted organization.
• Deep understanding of applying SEO, UX/UI, and design in the development of experience strategy.
• Experience in communications planning and delivery, versed in multiple creative design processes across a range of media.
• Strong writing and proofreading, editing, and communication skills with samples.
• Fluent in using WordPress or similar CMS, with experience using HTML/CSS to augment content and design.

Applications will not be considered complete without the following documents attached:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

• 5 years, Combined education/experience as a substitute for the minimum experience

Minimum Field of Expertise:

• Thorough knowledge of marketing and management.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, methodology, and techniques of marketing.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated creative and artistic skills.