Regional Marketing & Communications Specialist - West Region

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

Don’t take our word for it. The external “Great Place To Work” survey found that:

• The USO is a Certified Great Place to Work 2023-2024
• 93% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community.
• 93% are proud to tell others they work here.
• 88% feel their work has special meaning: this is not "just a job."
• 89% feel that when you join the company, you are made to feel welcome.
• 91% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their race.
• 87% feel people here are treated fairly regardless of their gender.

The Regional Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation and execution of communications and marketing plans and strategies that engage and activate supporters and other stakeholders in defined regions and serves as a liaison between media organizations and the USO (working (in collaboration with the USO Marketing & Communications Team). The Specialist is responsible for supporting multiple facets of the USO’s integrated PR and marketing strategy with a focus on building awareness of the organization, increasing engagement and loyalty with existing and potential supporters, improving USO programs’ utilization by service members and their families, and growing audiences and generating donations within their defined region. This person must reside in the U.S. West Region (Texas, Idaho, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington) - preferable access to a major airport

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Under the direction of the Regional President and the USO Marketing & Communications Team.
• Plan, research, produce, and update communication materials, including but not limited to, press releases, editorials, articles and fact sheets for internal and external audiences at a variety of levels.*
• Develop and maintain working relationships with key media contacts, writers and external vendors. Research and develop media distribution lists.*
• Coordinate preparation, review and presentation of briefing materials, including but not limited to talking points and backgrounders for use by USO Regional President and other Leadership in preparation for media interviews. Serve as on-site media representative and in some cases the on-site spokesperson at assigned events and activities.*
• Serve as internal communications contact for their designated region to the USO Marketing & Communications team and to the Executive Directors and field teams. Participate in full-cycle media/communication and marketing planning, and project management including but not limited to identification of project needs, development and implementation of action plans, and measurement/evaluation of results.*
• Coordinate the design, production and distribution of finished communication products that are within budgeted limits and consistent with USO brand.
• Create content calendars, build and optimize region webpages and execute social media strategy through competitive research, platform determination, benchmarking, messaging and audience identification in collaboration with the USO Marketing & Communications team.* Utilize the reach of partners, supporters and other influencer channels to tell the USO story and meet USO public relations and business goals.*
• Other duties as assigned

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• 5+ years work experience in a media relations or communications role. Additional marketing related experience, particularly in the digital space preferred.
• Relevant experience in a news media, agency, not-for-profit, military, multicultural and/or global organization preferred with matrix reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to manage and influence external vendors (i.e. PR consultants, photographers/videographers)
• Proficiency using computers and electronics equipment. General knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and media publicity software. Proficiency with Vocus and PR Web preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects. Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
• Must be punctual, organized and self-motivated, with the ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver’s license.
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families

Details

• Applicants must reside in the U.S. West Region (Texas, Idaho, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington) - preferable access to a major airport.
• USO locations will adhere to local area and DOD guidelines regarding COVID vaccination/testing requirements. Employees may be required to be vaccinated or tested regularly per local requirements.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

#theUSO

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.