Vice President, Media

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.

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 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $300,000-$325,000.

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.

Schedule

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