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 ele