Vice President, Media & Strategic Communications

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

On-site work

Job summary

University of Southern California seeks a strategic, seasoned communications executive to become Vice President, Media. Reporting to the Interim Senior Vice President and CCO, the VP will shape USC's national and global media relations, crisis communications, and public information efforts while safeguarding the university's reputation.

The role requires leadership of media strategy, advisory support to senior leaders, and acting as the official spokesperson during major announcements and

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 message consistency and effectiveness.
• Build and lead high-performing communications teams through direct and indirect management structures.
• Develop crisis communications plans and scenario strategies 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.

Skills

Media relations leadership

Crisis communications

Strategic communications

Executive advisory

Public information

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations

Job description

University of Southern California seeks a strategic, seasoned communications executive to become Vice President, Media. Reporting to the Interim Senior Vice President and CCO, the VP will shape USC's national and global media relations, crisis communications, and public information efforts while safeguarding the university's reputation.

The role requires leadership of media strategy, advisory support to senior leaders, and acting as the official spokesperson during major announcements and