Vice President, Media

About this role

The Office of USC Communications is seeking a strategic and highly experienced communications executive to serve as its next Vice President, Media (VP). Reporting to the Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, this senior leadership role will oversee university-wide media relations strategy, crisis communications, and public information efforts while advancing USC’s institutional reputation on a national and global scale.

The VP serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and acts as the university’s official spokesperson during major announcements, issues management, and crisis response situations. The ideal candidate is an accomplished communications leader with deep media expertise, exceptional judgment, and a collaborative leadership style suited for a fast-moving and complex organization.

This position will be fully onsite at the University Park Campus, 5 days a week.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Lead and execute comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with USC’s institutional priorities and reputation goals.

• Oversee proactive media outreach, relationship management, monitoring, analytics, and rapid-response communications.

• Serve as the university’s Public Information Officer during crises and emergency situations.

• Partner with university leadership and campus stakeholders to ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness in messaging.

• Build and lead high-performing communications teams through direct and indirect management structures.

• Develop crisis communications plans and scenario strategies in coordination with internal and external partners.

• Provide media counsel and strategic communications guidance for university milestones, events, and emerging issues.

• Deliver presentations and communications to key constituents, leadership groups, and external audiences.

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture grounded in USC’s values and Code of Ethics.

Perform other related duties as assigned. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

• 15 years of progressive media relations leadership experience within complex organizations, including crisis communications management.

• Demonstrated experience leading multifaceted teams and managing communications in fast-paced, matrixed environments.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

• Significant experience leading media teams within a national or global public relations agency.

• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and advising executive leadership on media strategy and reputational issues.

• Experience within higher education

Ideal Candidate Profile   The successful candidate will bring: • Deep understanding of modern media landscapes and best practices.

• Proven expertise in issues management and crisis communications.

• Strong executive presence and strategic thinking capabilities.

• Collaborative leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate high-visibility situations with confidence and professionalism.

• Experience within higher education

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment). The annual base salary range for this position is $300,000-$325,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

#LI-Onsite

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, journalism, public relations, or in related field(s) Preferred Education: Master's degree in communication, journalism, or in related field(s) Required Work Experience: 15 years in proven media relations experience in roles leading multifaceted teams in complex organizations is required, including crisis communications management. Required Work Experience: 15+ years in significant experience leading media teams in a national or global agency. Required Skills: Excellent written and oral communications skills, with strong attention to detail. Demonstrated grasp of media best practices and high-level understanding of issues and crisis management. Proven ability to operate within a fast-moving, entrepreneurial, matrixed, and flexible work environment. Applied knowledge of media relations, acting as a spokesperson for an organization and demonstrating exceptional judgement. Demonstrated experience as an effective media executive leader with a collaborative, team-oriented approach with exemplary leadership qualifications. Preferred Skills: Experience in media relations leading a media team at a national or global PR agency.                                                   

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligati

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