Specialist, Communications

Job Description

Job Description

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.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Specialist, Communications supports the planning and execution of internal and external communications initiatives. This role is responsible for developing communications plans, conducting research, coordinating media events, managing project logistics, and providing comprehensive support to the communications team.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Develop talking points, media briefs, and communications plans for internal and external stakeholders.
• Write, edit, and distribute newsletters, announcements, emails, and other communications materials for key stakeholders, including USO Global Ambassadors and talent representatives.
• Manage USO intranet sites in coordination with departmental stakeholders and content owners.
• Maintain the communications team’s project management platform.
• Responsible for monitoring and analyzing media coverage and preparing metrics reports for leadership review.
• Create and manage content for social media channels.
• Serve as a liaison with external consultants, agencies, and third-party partners.
• Support communications needs for internal events and program initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This is an in-person position located in Arlington, VA.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field.
• 3-5 years work experience in a communications, marketing, public relations and/or journalism support role.
• Demonstrated proficiency in business writing and proofreading across a variety of delivery platforms.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO leadership, the general public, and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency with computers and electronics equipment. General knowledge of software, applications, and platforms including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, social media management platforms and management tools, newsletter platforms, and media monitoring software. Basic knowledge of HTML and experience with photo and video editing software 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 show initiative, self-motivation, and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. 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.

Details

• The salary range for this position is $60,000-$78,750.
• To support pay transparency, this posting includes the anticipated base salary range for this role. Compensation is determined based on several factors including geographic location, relevant experience, specialized skills, certifications, and overall alignment with the position requirements. Our compensation practices are designed to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity across roles and levels.
• 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.
• 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.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.