Assistant Director of Sports Brands & Communications

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles and a global center for arts, technology, and international business, USC is also one of the largest private employers in the City of Los Angeles.  We are searching for exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission: developing individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

USC Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of Competitive Spirit, Togetherness, Passionate Pride for USC, and Our Courage to Blaze the Trail, the Trojans choose to lead by example. With over 600 student-athletes competing throughout USC’s 23 sports programs, USC Athletics is committed to serving as the unmatched, unquestioned top destination for talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in all that they do and offering student-athletes the ability to compete for NCAA and Big Ten championships while working toward a degree from one of the world’s leading universities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

USC Athletics is looking to hire an Assistant Director of Sports Brands & Communication to join our staff and student community of 600+ individuals. This position is responsible for developing, writing, editing, and distributing content that promotes USC Athletics teams and student-athletes across a variety of platforms. The Assistant Director maintains accurate and up-to-date team information, including rosters, biographies, statistics, and records; manages assigned social media accounts; and collaborates with internal and external partners to create engaging multimedia content.

The role also operates statistical software to support gameday and season-long reporting, assists with the preparation and submission of conference and national award nominations, and provides strategic communications support for assigned athletic programs. Success in this position requires strong writing and storytelling skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to promoting the achievements of USC Athletics.      

Reporting directly to the Director of Sports Brands & Communications the Assistant Director of Sports Brands & Communications will work in collaboration with all USC Sports. The ideal candidate understands the demands and expectations of a Power 4 recognized athletics department and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They are a self-directed professional who takes initiative and consistently delivers high-quality work. They also embrace USC Athletics' tradition, culture, and commitment to excellence, demonstrating professionalism and a strong standard of performance in all aspects of the role. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred. An understanding of the unique culture, experiences, and needs of college student-athletes is also preferred.

This position serves a large student and staff population, must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for a variety of populations, and is expected to contribute to the program’s demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

This is an exempt position with work expected in the evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Roles and responsibilities to include:

• Writes, edits, and distributes press releases, game recaps, feature stories, and player/coach profiles to promote USC Athletics' teams and student-athletes.

• Manages sport-specific social media channels, by creating content (e.g., graphics, videos, written posts), scheduling posts, engaging with fans, and assisting in the interpretation of analytics to refine communications strategies. Supports live streaming efforts in coordination with creative or broadcast staff.

• Collaborates with creative teams to support development of multimedia content for assigned sports. Assists in the preparation and submission of student-athlete and team award nominations at the conference and national levels.

• Operates and maintains statistical software and official recordkeeping during home games and designated away games, ensuring accuracy and integrity of information. Maintains up-to-date team information (e.g., rosters, bios, game schedules, statistical histories, records) in collaboration with internal databases and NCAA standards.

• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, values others while having the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, public relations, or a related field. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Experience coordinating gameday media operations and staffing.

• Strong knowledge of public relations and sports journalism standards (e.g., NCAA rules related to statistics, media access, and content usage).

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with creative, video, and design teams to produce integrated, brand-aligned content campaigns.

• Proficiency in statistics and data storytelling as well as the ability to effectively use statistical software (e.g. StatCrew, Genius Sports).

• Proven ability to write and edit compelling content across formats.

• Strong time management skills and the demonstrated ability to meet rapid deadlines.

• Fundamental knowledge of social media platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok) as well as the ability to manage and optimize social media strategy and content.

• Experience working in higher education and/or a sports related field ideal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, sports management, or a related field.

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in sports communications, including leading communications for an athletic team, department, or program.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive, multi-platform communications strategies for athletics programs.

• Proven experience planning and managing major media events, such as press conferences and other high-profile media initiatives.

• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

• Valid driver's license preferred.

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

Salary Range

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,304 - $75,000. 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.

To Apply

All candidates must submit a resume with their application. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. All USC employees will undergo reference checking and background screening prior to hire.

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.

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.