Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications and issues management plans, including emergency and crisis communications, to support timely, coordinated, and effective messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Anticipate emerging issues by monitoring the internal and external landscape, conducting scenario planning, and developing proactive communications strategies that prepare the university for a range of potential outcomes.
• Serve as the university's communications lead during high-profile issues, providing strategic counsel to university leadership and partnering with the Office of General Counsel to develop messaging related to legal matters, reputational issues, labor matters, and other sensitive situations.
• Serve as a university spokesperson and Public Information Officer during crises and other significant events, responding to media inquiries and coordinating timely, accurate public communications.
• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive public relations and communications programs that increase awareness of the university, its schools, departments, faculty, students, staff, alumni, and institutional initiatives.
• Create and execute strategic communications plans that support organizational goals and enhance USC's reputation.
• Lead communications projects from concept through execution, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Measure and evaluate communications initiatives, preparing reports and recommendations that inform future strategies.
• Stay current with emerging communications trends, technologies, AI-enabled communications tools, and best practices to continually strengthen USC's communications efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the required degree.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or another large, complex, mission-driven organization.
• Experience leading issues management, crisis communications, or reputation management initiatives within a complex organization.
• Experience serving as a communications advisor or spokesperson during high-profile, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations.
• Success leading integrated communications campaigns across print, digital, social media, and multimedia platforms.
• Strong media relations experience with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.