Public Communications Manager II

The University of Southern California (USC) Office of Health Affairs is seeking a strategic and experienced Public Communications Manager II to lead and manage internal and external communications initiatives. This leadership role reports directly to the Vice President of Communications and plays a critical role in shaping the voice, visibility, and strategic messaging of the Office of Health Affairs.

The Opportunity

The Public Communications Manager II manages the day-to-day internal and external communications needs of the Office of Health Affairs while supervising assigned staff. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that enhance awareness, engagement, and reputation within the university and across external audiences.

This role requires a collaborative, proactive leader who can manage multiple priorities, supervise personnel, and ensure high-quality communications deliverables across diverse platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage strategic communications programs and projects that enhance awareness of the Office of Health Affairs within USC and externally
• Plan, write, edit, produce, and distribute publications and informational materials across multiple channels
• Support executive communications by drafting articles, talking points and other written communications of the senior vice president
• Oversee daily communications operations and supervise assigned staff and/or student workers
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor team members; provide performance feedback and guidance
• Manage outside vendors supporting communications initiatives
• Maintain and oversee the communications calendar, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met
• Develop and produce reports on communications activities and outcomes
• Represent the university at professional meetings, conferences, and community events
• Maintain relationships with university leaders, media representatives, and community stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Combined education and experience may substitute for minimum education requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or complex institutional environments
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$140,000. 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.

Why Join USC?

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities, committed to excellence in education, research, and service. The Office of Health Affairs plays a vital role in advancing USC’s health initiatives and partnerships across the university and community.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Public relations, communications, journalism or related field with supervisory experience.

                                                  

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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