Job Description

Senior Director of Communications, University Relations

The Senior Director of Communications leads strategic and operational communications for the University Relations department, driving a unified strategy across community, government, and civic engagement programs. This role ensures effective messaging for both internal and external audiences and collaborates closely with University Communications on media relations and university-wide initiatives. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of University Relations, the Senior Director oversees a three-person team, including an events coordinator and a communications coordinator.

Responsibilities Include:

• Leads the integrated strategic communications, marketing, and events team for the University Relations department. Serves as a member of the departments leadership team.

• Supports and promotesUniversity Relations including civic and community engagement, government relations, capacity building programs, early childhood and K-12 programs. Coordinates closely with USC Classical California (KUSC and KDFC) communications.

• Oversees content creation including crafting clear, impactful messaging for programs and complex issues. Develops and implements targeted social media strategies, outreach efforts, and campaign-style communications.

• Ensures the effectiveness of all channelsincluding websites, social media, community outreach, and program marketingby setting clear metrics and conducting regular communications audits. Maintains clear workflows with exceptional project management.

• Responsible for executive communications including writing speeches/talking points, issue and event briefings, and presentations for the senior vice president and department leadership. Crafts thought leadership initiatives particularly on civic and community issues.

• Manages urgent and time-sensitive communications, including media engagement, while continuously monitoring the media, public policy, and civic landscapes.

• Leads internal staff communications for the University Relations department including updates, newsletters, special events, and employee recognition.

• Collaborates with USC University Communications to align messaging and amplify institutional programs. Partners with schools, the USC Health System, and other university departments on shared programs and objectives.

• Ensures positive team culture with Communications team. Manages the communications budget and ancillary resources including outside vendors and student workers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in public relations, journalism or related fields required.

• At least 5-7 years of work experience managing strategic communications, public relations, political communications, and/or executive and corporate communications.

• Demonstrated track record of developing and implementing complex communications initiatives and strategies utilizing socialand digitalmedia.This includes managing the creative process, custom campaigns, thought leadership, and strategic positioning.

• Strong writing and verbal skills with ability to synthesize information and communicate clearly. Experience drafting executive level communications, and preparing/delivering information rapidly and effectively.

• Experience with communications tools/platforms including project management, social listening, digital communications, and data analysis.

• Media relations background including existing relationships with media outlets and reporters in the Los Angeles region.

• Understanding of Southern Californias civic landscape and diverse local communities particularly where USCs University Park and Health Sciences campuses are located.

• Ability to proactively manage multiple projects, maintain clear workflows, and effectively work with a cross-functional team in a fast-paced setting.Strong interpersonal skills to positively collaborate and partner with internal and external stakeholders.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USCs Unifying Values.

Additional Information:

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidates experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum educationMinimum Experience: 5 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experienceMinimum Field of Expertise: Management experience in journalism and public relations.

About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 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 across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

Connections working at University of Southern California (USC)

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Local area, Immediate start,

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