Director, Communications (Issues/Crisis)

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

3d • $150,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California is seeking an experienced communications leader to direct issues management and crisis communications strategies that protect and strengthen the university’s reputation during complex, sensitive, and high-profile situations. The Director anticipates reputational risks, develops proactive communications strategies, and advises university leadership during rapidly evolving matters.

Reporting to the department’s Chief of Staff, the Director serves as a university point of contact for issues and crisis communications. The role works closely with the Media Relations team, Office of General Counsel, and university stakeholders to coordinate responses. The successful candidate brings sound judgment, humility, executive presence, discretion, strong writing, and strategic thinking, balancing transparency, institutional priorities, and stakeholder expectations.

The position is based at USC’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles and requires on-site presence five days per week. Evening, weekend, and off-hours availability may be required to support emerging issues and crisis communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the required degree.
• At least five years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field; combined education and experience may substitute for the minimum experience.
• 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.
• Resume and cover letter are required; they may be submitted as one attachment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Seven 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Advise university leadership and partner with the Office of General Counsel and other stakeholders on sensitive institutional matters.
• Direct crisis communications, developing 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.
• Develop and oversee media relations strategies for sensitive or potentially adverse coverage and maintain trusted relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Advise and prepare university leaders and subject-matter experts for high-stakes media engagement.
• Monitor media coverage and emerging trends to assess reputational risks and inform strategic recommendations.
• 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 schools, departments, and administrative units to support coordinated communications and effective crisis response.
• Continually listen and learn to understand the complex nature and evolving needs of a large research university.

Benefits

• USC offers benefits-eligible employees a broad range of benefits and perks to support the health, wealth, and future of employees and their dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director