Vice President, Media

The Office of USC Communications is seeking a strategic and highly experienced communications executive to serve as its next Vice President, Media (VP). 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.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished communications leader with deep media expertise, exceptional judgment, and a collaborative leadership style suited for a fast-moving and complex organization.

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

Key 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.

The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum 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.

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment).

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

Benefits and Perks

• 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.

The University of Southern California 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.

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

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 , or by email at

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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.