Photo courtesy of Jennifer Davies.
What stood out immediately was the program’s balance between theory and real-world application. USC’s MCM program isn’t just academic; it’s designed for working professionals who are actively shaping the field.
Jennifer Davies has spent her career doing what few communicators manage to pull off consistently: making government feel human. As Strategic Communications Manager for the City of Las Vegas, she built a modern, data-driven communications operation across more than 20 departments, transforming digital strategy from a reactive afterthought into a core organizational function. Now, as she steps into her new role as Vice President of Strategic Communication at The Abbi Agency, Davies is taking that public-sector expertise into a broader arena. A storyteller at heart, she has always been drawn to the intersection of strategy and empathy, and that instinct is what led her to USC’s Master of Communication Management (MCM) online program at USC Annenberg.
In this interview, Davies reflects on her career journey, what drew her to the MCM program and how it shaped her as both a practitioner and aspiring educator. She also shares what surprised her most about the experience, the trends reshaping the communications landscape and the advice she’d give to anyone considering the program.
What sparked your interest in communications and marketing?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and human connection, understanding what makes people feel seen, informed, or motivated to take action. Early in my career, I realized communications and marketing sit at the intersection of strategy and empathy. It’s not just about pushing information out; it’s about meeting people where they are, translating complex ideas into something meaningful, and ultimately building trust. That combination of creativity, psychology and impact is what pulled me in and what has kept me here.
What has your career journey been like, and what led you to pursue a master’s degree in communication management?
My career has largely been rooted in public-sector communications, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead digital strategy, social media and integrated campaigns for a fast-growing city like Las Vegas. Over time, I moved from execution into more strategic leadership, overseeing multi-channel communications, managing teams and aligning messaging with broader organizational goals.
Pursuing a master’s degree was a very intentional decision earlier in my career to strengthen my strategic and theoretical foundation in leadership, organizational communication and integrated strategy. At the same time, I was drawn to the academic side of the field and knew I wanted to eventually step into a teaching role as an adjunct professor.
The USC MCM program offered the perfect balance; it allowed me to grow as a practitioner while also preparing me to contribute in an academic setting. It elevated my perspective, refined my decision-making and ensured I wasn’t just reacting to trends, but leading with purpose in both professional and educational spaces.
Can you give us a glimpse into your role as Strategic Communications Manager?
In my role as Strategic Communications Manager for the City of Las Vegas, my focus has been on connecting residents with the services, programs and initiatives that impact their daily lives. I’ve overseen social media, digital marketing, email communications, web content and campaign strategy across more than 20 departments and elected officials.
Working in government brings a unique level of complexity. You’re balancing transparency, accessibility and urgency, often in high-stakes, highly visible situations. It requires aligning multiple stakeholders, navigating complex processes and communicating in a way that resonates with a very diverse community.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your role?
What I’m most proud of is helping build a more modern, data-driven communications approach within that environment. From significantly increasing digital engagement to launching integrated campaigns that directly support community initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic communications can drive real-world impact. I’m especially proud of helping shift digital communications from reactive to proactive, positioning it as a core strategic function.
What’s next as you transition to The Abbi Agency?
As I transition to my new role as Vice President of Strategic Communication at The Abbi Agency, I’m excited to take that experience and apply it in a broader context. My role will focus on helping organizations, particularly in the public sector and mission-driven spaces, navigate complex communications challenges, strengthen their digital presence and connect more effectively with their audiences.
This next step allows me to expand my impact, bringing together strategy, creativity and data to support a wider range of clients while continuing to evolve as a communications leader.
When researching programs, what stood out about USC’s MCM program?
What stood out immediately was the program’s balance between theory and real-world application. USC’s MCM program isn’t just academic; it’s designed for working professionals who are actively shaping the field.
I was also drawn to the caliber of faculty and the diversity of perspectives within the cohort. Learning alongside professionals from different industries and backgrounds created a dynamic environment where you’re constantly challenged to think bigger and differently. The focus on leadership, strategy and innovation made it feel like the right fit for where I was in my career.
What stands out as a highlight from your time in the program?
One of the biggest highlights was the ability to immediately apply what I was learning to my work in real time. Whether it was refining a campaign strategy, approaching stakeholder communication differently, or thinking more critically about audience behavior, the program consistently translated into tangible impact in my day-to-day role.
Another standout was the network. The relationships built within the program, both with classmates and faculty, have been incredibly valuable and continue to be a source of inspiration and collaboration.
What surprised you most about your experience in the program?
I was most surprised by how transformative the program was, not just professionally, but in how I think as a leader. It pushed me to slow down, think more strategically and consider the “why” behind decisions.
It also reinforced that even with years of experience, there is always more to learn. The program challenged assumptions I didn’t even realize I had and expanded how I approach both communication and leadership.
Was there a course that aligned with your goals or passions?
One course that really stood out to me was CMGT 508 – Communicating Strategy and Change. It aligned closely with both my professional role and my long-term goals, especially in terms of leadership, internal communication and navigating complex organizations.
The course challenged me to think more intentionally about how communication shapes culture, drives alignment and influences decision-making at every level of an organization. It gave me practical frameworks that I’ve been able to apply directly in my work, whether that’s managing cross-department collaboration, advising leadership or building more cohesive communication strategies.
It also reinforced my interest in the academic side of communications, as it connected theory with real-world application in a way that really resonated with me.
What are the most exciting trends or technologies in communications right now?
One of the most exciting shifts right now is the integration of AI and data into communications strategy, not just for efficiency, but for deeper audience insights and more personalized messaging.
What’s especially interesting is how AI and search are increasingly becoming the starting point for how people learn about brands. In many cases, the first impression isn’t a website or a social post, it’s what surfaces through search or AI-generated responses. That means communications professionals have to think more intentionally about how their brand is represented in those spaces.
The real opportunity is in the intersection of these trends by using data and AI-driven insights to not only inform digital strategy, but to strengthen offline and non-digital efforts as well. When used well, it creates a more cohesive, informed approach to communication across every touchpoint.
How would you describe the culture of the Master of Communication Management program?
The culture is collaborative, driven and incredibly supportive. You’re surrounded by professionals who are ambitious but also genuinely willing to share ideas, feedback and experiences.
It’s a space where you feel challenged, but also encouraged. There’s a strong sense that everyone is there to grow, not just individually, but together.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Go into the program with intention. Be clear on what you want to get out of it, but also stay open to where it might take you.
As a USC alum, one of the most valuable parts of the experience is the Trojan network. Take full advantage of it; your classmates, professors and fellow alumni are an incredible resource and community that extends far beyond the program itself.
And don’t just think of assignments as assignments; treat them as opportunities to build something you can actually use in your career.
Most importantly, give yourself the space to think strategically. The program goes quickly, and the more you invest in it, the more you’ll get back. Fight On!
Learn more about the Master of Communication Management online program.