Chief Communications Officer

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the nation’s most prestigious private research universities. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is a globally recognized hub for aging research. USC seeks an innovative, strategic, and entrepreneurial Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to join the Dean’s Executive Team. The CCO will serve as a key advisor to the Dean and senior leadership, leading the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and reputation strategy that advances the school’s mission, strengthens global visibility, increases enrollment, cultivates philanthropic support, elevates research impact, and positions USC Leonard Davis as the authoritative voice on aging and longevity. Strategic Leadership Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean and a member of the Executive Team Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with institutional priorities Establish communication goals, performance metrics, and annual reporting processes Build and lead a high‑performing communications function and culture Manage communications budgets, vendors, agencies, and production resources Provide leadership for reputation management and crisis communications planning Brand Strategy and Thought Leadership Lead development and stewardship of the school’s brand narrative and positioning Position USC Leonard Davis as the leading voice on aging, longevity, and gerontology Translate complex research and academic expertise into compelling public‑facing stories Create messaging frameworks that resonate with diverse audiences, including students, donors, media, policymakers, and industry leaders Identify opportunities to elevate faculty and leadership as national thought leaders Media Relations and Public Affairs Develop and maintain relationships with national, international, healthcare, science, education, business, and public policy media Lead proactive media outreach and earned media campaigns Secure high‑impact media placements, interviews, op‑eds, and thought‑leadership opportunities Prepare faculty and leadership for media appearances and public speaking engagements Monitor emerging issues and develop rapid‑response communications strategies Enrollment and Marketing Communications Partner with admissions and enrollment leadership to strengthen recruitment efforts Develop campaigns supporting master’s, doctoral, executive, and online programs Create compelling student, alumni, and career‑outcome storytelling Oversee digital marketing, content marketing, and audience engagement strategies Ensure communications efforts contribute directly to enrollment growth objectives Advancement and Philanthropic Communications Partner closely with the Development Office and Dean to support fundraising priorities Help develop donor‑focused communications strategies Help create impactful case statements, campaign narratives, and donor engagement materials Help position aging and longevity as compelling philanthropic investment opportunities Research Communications Elevate visibility of faculty research, centers, institutes, and grant‑funded initiatives Develop research impact reports, policy briefs, and executive summaries Promote faculty awards, discoveries, publications, and external recognition Support communications efforts related to federal agencies, foundations, and research sponsors Increase awareness of the school’s contributions to public policy and societal impact Digital and Content Strategy Oversee website strategy, digital experience, analytics, and Search Engine Optimization Lead development of integrated content platforms and editorial calendars Direct social media strategy across institutional channels Ensure all communications channels operate as a coordinated ecosystem Use analytics and audience insights to continuously improve performance Executive Communications Draft speeches, presentations, remarks, opinion pieces, and strategic communications for the Dean Support executive visibility and leadership positioning Manage communications related to major announcements, initiatives, partnerships, and milestones Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible communications leadership experience Demonstrated success leading communications strategy for a complex organization Significant experience in media relations and executive communications Outstanding writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills Experience managing teams, budgets, and external partners Strong understanding of digital communications, audience development, and analytics Ability to translate complex research and technical concepts into compelling narratives Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills Creative mindset to develop engaging content, campaigns, and strategies that resonate with audiences Ability to adapt to evolving priorities, deadlines, and challenges while maintaining high‑quality work Strong problem‑solving skills to address unexpected challenges in communications and event promotion Advanced degree (strongly preferred) Experience in higher education, healthcare, research institutions, foundations, or mission‑driven organizations Experience supporting fundraising and advancement communications Familiarity with science, health, public policy, aging, or longevity‑related fields Experience serving as a member of a senior leadership team Established national media relationships Leadership Competencies Strategic vision and institutional thinking Executive presence and sound judgment Exceptional relationship‑building skills Creativity and entrepreneurial mindset Political acumen and diplomacy Strong project management and execution skills Commitment to collaboration and shared success Passion for the mission of improving lives through aging research, education, and innovation Success in the First 12 Months Rebuild and lead the school’s communications operation Establish a comprehensive communications infrastructure and measurement framework Launch a proactive national media relations program Increase visibility of faculty research and thought leadership Strengthen communications support for enrollment and fundraising priorities Develop a unified brand narrative and content strategy Create measurable growth in awareness, engagement, and stakeholder reach Employment Details Position is exempt with a hybrid work schedule; on‑site work expected at the Andrus Gerontology Center during normal operating hours and as needed after hours and on weekends Some travel required for events, training, and conferences Annual base salary range: $143,500 – $165,000 Benefits Competitive salary and a range of USC benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage 403(b) retirement plan Tuition reimbursement for eligible programs National holidays and paid vacation Additional benefits and perks as provided by USC 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 and will consider qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr