Job Responsibilities
With a staff of three student workers, coordinate concepts, design, copywriting
and
distribution for all official print and online publications for a major arts
school on the
USC campus. (40%)
Manage production for performance programs for approximately 50 events/semester
(25%)
Write and distribute stories and press releases for internal and external public
relations outreach (15%)
Oversee departmental budget and accounting procedures (10%)
Represent the school at internal and external events (10%)
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Job Requirements
I came to this position from a background in the nonprofit arts world,
especially in
development (grant writing and prospect research). I leveraged my communication
skills in theatre and nonprofit development and acquired some ability in the
requisite
design software to get this job.
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Uppers
It's great to be on the campus of a top-tier university every day. The students
are very inspiring to be around. It's a great environment for a college football
fanatic like myself! The job is also a chance to use my left- and right-brain
qualities and make sure they both get adequates amount of exercise. I also have
the flexibility to try new things that comes with a small staff. And I know
we're not supposed to be talking about the specific employer, but working in
academia has the incredible benefit of free tuition -- nearly everyone I work
with is pursuing an advanced degree for free.
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Downers
It's sometimes difficult to face the bureaucracy. There aren't many
opportunities for
advancement -- no clear promotion schedule or abundance of positions above me to
shoot for. We are sometimes overwhelmed by the work. There is a surprisingly
rigid
hierarchy, too. I had expected a more team-based environment, but my
supervisors
are reluctant to share information willingly and require much groundwork to be
brought into projects.
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Lifestyle
Casual dress is fine. The work hours are essentially 9-5, but things are very
flexible. I am not eligible for overtime, so that is slightly disappointing when
we're cramming on a large project. There aren't many formal company social
events, but we get together informally for happy hours, etc. It's very easy to
both do your job but also have some fun at the same time.
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Compensation
My compensation is $35,000 annual salary with a 10% match to a retirement plan
(immediately vested) that I started receiving after 6 months.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Education is always in style, and an arts school will always have a steady
stream of
revenue. In fact, since we are based at a major university, we are insulated
from
some of the financial pressures facing the nonprofit arts world (and smaller
conservatories). One caveat: many of the younger employees on campus are hired
directly out of school, with very little real-world work experience. I worked
in a non-
academic environment for three years before returning, and I think it helps to
have
that separation from the college environment. Without it, you run the risk of
being
treated (and, sometimes, acting) like a kid.
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