Director, Communications (Issues/Crisis)
Core
Lead university-wide issues management and crisis communications strategies to protect USC's reputation and ensure timely, coordinated responses during complex, sensitive, and high-profile situations.
Role type
Senior IC Director of Communications (Issues/Crisis)
Builds
Coordinated communications responses, holding statements, key messages, and media strategies for the University of Southern California
Domain
Higher Education + Reputation Management
Required skills
Strategic communications planning, crisis management, media relations, risk assessment, scenario planning, executive advisory, team leadership, budget management, stakeholder coordination
Preferred skills
Master's degree in Communications/Journalism, 7+ years experience in issues/crisis management, higher education communications experience, legal partnership experience, executive spokesperson experience
Technologies
Media monitoring tools, scenario planning frameworks
Responsibilities
Lead university-wide issues management and crisis communications strategies; Anticipate emerging issues through media monitoring and risk assessment; Serve as a senior communications advisor to university leadership; Direct crisis communications including development of holding statements and talking points; Serve as a university spokesperson during high-profile issues; Develop and oversee media relations strategies for sensitive coverage; Lead and develop communications staff and cross-functional teams; Oversee crisis communications protocols, resources, and budgets
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with management responsibilities
