Public Communications Specialist

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world's leading private research universities. Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, USC is home to 23 academic schools and units, and it is the region's premier institution for the arts, athletics, business, engineering, law, sciences and technology. University Communications seeks a Public Communications Specialist with public relations, communications and/or marketing experience to join the USC Media Relations team within the central University Communications office.

Charged with enhancing USC's reputation for world-class research and education, the USC Media Relations team tells the compelling stories of our students, scientists and medical professionals who are making a difference in Los Angeles and the world.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Media Relations, the Public Communications Specialist will engage and collaborate with our community of university leaders, communications colleagues, faculty and students to cultivate timely and newsworthy stories and media pitches about the university, its programs, major events, leadership priorities and student experiences. The specialist promotes these stories to mainstream media - local, regional, national and international - to expand the university's media footprint among a spectrum of targeted audiences.

In particular, the Public Communications Specialist will plan, develop/write and promote content to external media, including local, national and international news outlets, as well as lead or assist on the development of multimedia content packages that are versatile, purposed for both university channels and as an asset for potential permitted use by news outlets. The specialist will also lead or collaborate on media outreach campaigns that highlight the university's breadth and excellence in education and research, including novel discoveries, presidential initiatives, campus life, student achievements, special programs, its world-class leadership and outstanding faculty.

The ideal candidate will be:

• A savvy, customer service-minded communicator who puts people first; a bridge builder.

• A creative self-starter who has an eye for the potential reach of a story with acute awareness of international and cultural issues that may factor into objectives, such as timing and selected media targets.

• A talented storyteller who embraces stories about campus life, student experiences and has practice with preparing and introducing experts and their research for national and international audiences.

• A team player who works well with multiple collaborators within the department and across the university to create, shape and amplify newsworthy digital and visual content to targeted audiences.

• An agile, organized and inquisitive critical thinker who is sensitive to the news climate and can quickly pivot to reprioritize projects and respond to leadership's needs as they arise.

As a member of the USC Media Relations team, you will:

• Cultivate story ideas that play to international audiences and be in regular contact with international teams to coordinate outreach plans and opportunities for faculty and students to share their stories.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with journalists on behalf of the university through direct outreach with local, state, national and international journalists.

• Coordinate with external partners when assigned.

• Collaborate on content and outreach projects with school communications teams across the university with a focus on presidential priorities and content that enhance the USC brand.

The specialist is also part of a team that:

• Meets regularly with international agency teams and USC Media Relations leadership to guide media planning, content development and placement.

• As a media team member, rotates the daily responsibility of responding to journalist queries, coordinating closely with USC Media Relations leadership and the university's Associate Vice President of Strategic and Crisis Communications.

• Prepares administrators, faculty and students for interviews and assists with journalists, including reporters from student media.

• Reports on media and content successes and contributes to monitoring analyses.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, marketing or public relations

• Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 5 years in communications, public relations or marketing

• Some video production experience either in social media or for broadcast news

• A track record of media placement, story broadcast or publication

• International PR or marketing agency experience

• Skilled communicator who works well on deadline

• Experience with emergency response communications, including familiarity with the FEMA Incident Command System

To be considered, please submit the following:

• Cover letter

• Résumé

• 3 writing samples - may include stories, press releases and successful media pitch letters

• Links to 3-5 examples of successful placements in major news outlets

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual base salary range for this position is $81,495.46 to $90,000.00. 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 the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of 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. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 3 years, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience

Minimum Field of Expertise: Public relations or journalism

USC 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 (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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• Digital Accessibility

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