Public Communications Specialist
University of Southern California, Glendale, California, us, 91222
Overview
The University of Southern California (USC) is a leading private research university in Los Angeles. USC has 23 academic schools and units and a broad presence across 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 stories of students, scientists and medical professionals who are making a difference in Los Angeles and the world. Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Media Relations, the
Public Communications Specialist
will engage with 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 targeted audiences. Plan, develop/write and promote content to external media, including local, national and international news outlets. Lead or assist in the development of multimedia content packages versatile for university channels and for potential permitted use by news outlets. 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, leadership and faculty. As a member of the USC Media Relations team, you will: Cultivate story ideas that reach international audiences and coordinate with international teams to share stories from faculty and students. Develop and maintain relationships with journalists through direct outreach with local, state, national and international media. Coordinate with external partners when assigned. Collaborate on content and outreach projects with school communications teams across the university, focusing on presidential priorities and content that enhances 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. Rotates the daily responsibility of responding to journalist queries, coordinating 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. Qualifications
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 deadlines Experience with emergency response communications, including familiarity with the FEMA Incident Command System Application Details
To be considered, please submit the following: Cover letter Resume 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 candidate must 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. USC considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, experience, education/training, key skills, internal alignment, applicable laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and market considerations when extending an offer. USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to support well-being and future planning. Details are available as part of USC's total rewards package. Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree; Combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education. Minimum Experience: 3 years; Combined education/experience may substitute for minimum experience. Minimum Field of Expertise: Public relations or journalism. Job ID
REQ20171684 Posted Date
02/10/2026
Apply now at USC Careers. Current employees may apply here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The University of Southern California (USC) is a leading private research university in Los Angeles. USC has 23 academic schools and units and a broad presence across 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 stories of students, scientists and medical professionals who are making a difference in Los Angeles and the world. Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Media Relations, the
Public Communications Specialist
will engage with 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 targeted audiences. Plan, develop/write and promote content to external media, including local, national and international news outlets. Lead or assist in the development of multimedia content packages versatile for university channels and for potential permitted use by news outlets. 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, leadership and faculty. As a member of the USC Media Relations team, you will: Cultivate story ideas that reach international audiences and coordinate with international teams to share stories from faculty and students. Develop and maintain relationships with journalists through direct outreach with local, state, national and international media. Coordinate with external partners when assigned. Collaborate on content and outreach projects with school communications teams across the university, focusing on presidential priorities and content that enhances 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. Rotates the daily responsibility of responding to journalist queries, coordinating 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. Qualifications
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 deadlines Experience with emergency response communications, including familiarity with the FEMA Incident Command System Application Details
To be considered, please submit the following: Cover letter Resume 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 candidate must 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. USC considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, experience, education/training, key skills, internal alignment, applicable laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and market considerations when extending an offer. USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to support well-being and future planning. Details are available as part of USC's total rewards package. Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree; Combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education. Minimum Experience: 3 years; Combined education/experience may substitute for minimum experience. Minimum Field of Expertise: Public relations or journalism. Job ID
REQ20171684 Posted Date
02/10/2026
Apply now at USC Careers. Current employees may apply here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr