Media Manager

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 Media Manager 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. The Media Manager oversees the planning and execution of initiatives that elevate USC's reputation and amplify its research, people, and impact. This role directs daily media operations, including production schedules and workflows, while ensuring safety, compliance, and timely engagement with local, national, and global outlets. The Media Manager manages budgets, supervises staff and student workers, and provides both technical and editorial leadership. In addition, they lead cross-functional teams to deliver media projects, respond to news developments, and support issues management, while contributing to training programs on media technology, newsroom operations, and best practices in media engagement. As a member of the USC Media Relations team, you will: Develop, organize, and implement standards, procedures, and best practices for media relations activities. Assist in developing and coordinating the implementation of media policies and response protocols. Communicate updates and procedural changes in a timely and accurate manner. Manage day‑to‑day responses to inbound media inquiries, including those involving sensitive or complex issues. Draft and edit statements, talking points, Q&As, and media responses in coordination with internal stakeholders. Ensure messaging accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets. Coordinate interviews, briefings, and media engagements for university leaders and subject‑matter experts. Provide preparation support for spokespersons, including message development and interview readiness. Monitor media coverage and social media conversations to identify emerging issues. Flag potential risks and recommends response strategies. Support crisis communications and rapid‑response coordination as needed, including participation in after‑hours or weekend rotations. Collaborate with communications colleagues across schools and units to ensure aligned messaging and effective coordination. Contribute to proactive storytelling efforts by identifying and pitching newsworthy stories that elevate USC's reputation. Maintain systems for tracking media inquiries, coverage, and outreach efforts. Organize and update digital records, ensuring effective transfer, retention, and disposal of files in accordance with policies. Research, gather, and synthesize information to support media responses, reports, and strategic recommendations. Prepare summaries, briefs, and materials for leadership review. Support the management of resources related to media operations, including vendor coordination, technology needs, and project budgets. Review and approve expenditures within established limits and monitors fiscal activity as required. Act as a liaison between Media Relations leadership, internal partners, and external media. Communicate assignments, priorities, and special requests. Monitor the status of pending items and follow up to ensure timely completion Required qualifications: 3 years of experience and Bachelor's degree in Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication or Journalism Demonstrated experience in media relations within a complex organization. Thorough knowledge of media engagement practices, news cycles, and attribution standards. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong editing and drafting media material abilities. Excellent interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with reporters and internal partners. Strong organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple priorities in fast‑paced environments. Ability to exercise sound judgment in assessing developing news and determining response needs. Knowledge of digital communication tools, social media platforms, media monitoring systems, and related technologies. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Experience working with multiple stakeholders and supporting communication strategies across decentralized teams.

Preferred qualifications:

Higher education experience preferred. The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000

• $115,000.

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 equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer #

LI-Hybrid Required Education:

Bachelor's degree in media studios, public relations, communication, or journalism

Required Work Experience:

3 years 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. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$146520.htmld USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles

• a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city
• responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region
• we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family
• the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or uschr@usc.edu. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!