Director, Communications (Issues/Crisis)

Director, Communications – Issues/Crisis

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Communications – Issues/Crisis to lead communications strategies that protect and strengthen the university's reputation during complex, sensitive, and high-profile situations. This role on the University Communications & Marketing team is ideal for a seasoned communications leader with expertise in issues management, crisis communications, media relations, internal communications, and executive counsel.

The Director anticipates emerging reputational risks, develops proactive communications strategies, and serves as a trusted advisor to university leadership during sensitive and rapidly evolving situations.

About the Role Reporting to the department’s Chief of Staff, the Director serves as a university point of contact for issues and crisis communications, working closely with the Media Relations team, Office of General Counsel, and key university stakeholders.

The successful candidate brings exceptional judgment, humility, strong executive presence, and the ability to navigate complex institutional issues with discretion and confidence. They are an exceptional writer and strategic thinker who can balance transparency, institutional priorities, and stakeholder expectations while leading coordinated communications responses.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Issues Management

• 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.
• Serve as a senior communications advisor to university leadership, partnering closely with the Office of General Counsel and other stakeholders on sensitive institutional matters.
• Direct crisis communications, including the development of 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.

Media Relations & Reputation Management

• Develop and oversee media relations strategies for sensitive or potentially adverse coverage, maintaining trusted relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Advise and prepare university leaders and subject-matter experts for high-stakes media engagement.
• Monitor coverage and emerging trends to assess reputational risks and inform strategic recommendations.

Leadership & Operations

• 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's schools, departments, and administrative units to support coordinated communications and effective crisis response.
• Continually listen and learn to understand the complex nature of a large research university and its evolving needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience equivalent to the required degree.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Seven (7) 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.

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

Work Arrangement: This position is based at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles and requires an on-site presence five days per week.

This position may require evening, weekend, and off-hours availability to support emerging issues and crisis communications.

Salary: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $155,000. 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 alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

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.

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.