Senior Director of Communications, University Relations

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 department’s leadership team.

• Supports and promotes University 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 channels—including websites, social media, community outreach, and program marketing—by 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:

• Bachelor’s 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 social and digital media. 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 California’s civic landscape and diverse local communities particularly where USC’s 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. 

Additional Information:

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

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