Director, Communications (Issues/Crisis)

USC University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

On-site campus role

Job summary

University of Southern California is seeking a Director of Communications to serve as the campus point of contact for issues and crisis communications. You will work with Media Relations, OGC, and stakeholders to balance transparency with institutional priorities and lead coordinated responses.

The role requires exceptional writing, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide university leaders through sensitive matters in a high-profile environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in communications or related field.
• Management experience in journalism and public relations.
• Strong writing, judgment, and ability to advise senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead university-wide issues management and crisis communications strategies.
• Develop media relations strategies and prepare leaders for high-stakes engagements.
• Oversee staff, budgets, and cross-functional coordination during crises.

Skills

Crisis communications

Strategic thinking

Executive writing

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Reporting to the department's Chief of Staff, the Director serves as a university point of contact for issues and crisis communications, working closely with the Media Relations team, Office of General Counsel, and key university stakeholders. The successful candidate brings exceptional judgment, humility, strong executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex institutional issues with discretion and confidence. They are an exceptional writer and strategic thinker who can balance transparency, institutional priorities, and stakeholder expectations while leading coordinated communications responses.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Issues Management Lead university-wide issues management and crisis communications strategies to protect USC's reputation and ensure timely, coordinated responses. Anticipate emerging issues through media monitoring, risk assessment, and scenario planning; develop proactive strategies and response protocols. Serve as a senior communications advisor to university leadership, partnering closely with the Office of General Counsel and other stakeholders on sensitive institutional matters. Direct crisis communications, including the development of holding statements, key messages, talking points, FAQs, and executive communications. Serve as a university spokesperson and Public Information Officer, as appropriate, during high-profile issues and crises.
• Media Relations & Reputation Management Develop and oversee media relations strategies for sensitive or potentially adverse coverage, maintaining trusted relationships with journalists and media outlets. Advise and prepare university leaders and subject‑matter experts for high‑stakes media engagement. Monitor coverage and emerging trends to assess reputational risks and inform strategic recommendations.
• Leadership & Operations Lead and develop communications staff and cross‑functional teams, establishing clear priorities and accountability. Oversee crisis communications protocols, resources, budgets, and external partners to strengthen institutional preparedness. Build relationships across USC's schools, departments, and administrative units to support coordinated communications and effective crisis response. Continually listen and learn to understand the complex nature of a large research university and its evolving needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the required degree.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Management experience in journalism and public relations.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications initiatives, including high‑profile issues management and media relations.
• Strong writing, judgment, and ability to advise senior stakeholders on complex communications matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible communications experience, including issues management, crisis communications, or reputation management.
• Communications management experience within higher education or another large, complex, mission‑driven organization.
• Experience advising senior executives and coordinating communications during high‑profile or sensitive situations.
• Experience partnering with legal counsel and other stakeholders on reputational, regulatory, labor, or public policy issues.
• Demonstrated success leading communications teams, managing media relationships, and strengthening crisis preparedness.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment).

Work Arrangement

This position is based at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles and requires an on‑site presence five days per week. This position may require evening, weekend, and off‑hours availability to support emerging issues and crisis communications.

Salary

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $155,000. 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

Background Screening Policy

Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Additional Information

Digital Accessibility

Notice of Non‑discrimination Employment Equity Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke‑free environment

About USC

USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.