The Editor/Writer II is responsible for the effective development and delivery of a wide range of communications within the health system that advance strategic employee initiatives of Keck Medicine of USC. Collaborates with other department partners to foster efficient, consistent and timely communications. As well as developing and executing an overall social media strategy to support employee engagement and employer branding efforts – support multiple social media initiatives already on-going within the organization. This role partners closely with the Marketing department to coordinate strategic initiatives, communications and strategies. Creates and establishes relationships with key leaders in the organization. This incumbent must understand the business and have a presence at key events and meetings.

The editor/writer II performs general media relations duties with an emphasis on writing and editing press releases, pitch letters, feature stories, faculty expert profiles and bylined articles on a variety of topics for Keck Medicine of USC and the Keck School of Medicine. Ability to understand medical research and translate to consumer language, while following protocols for research/science press release writing that involve grants and outside associations or other entities. Additional media relations responsibilities may include preparing weekly media placement recap report and distribution of press releases. Provide general media relations back-up support for press conferences, symposiums, crisis issues or other events as situations arise.

Essential Duties:

• Write and edit documents for Keck Medicine of USC and the Keck School of Medicine, such as press releases, pitch letters, source alerts, media advisories, bios, feature stories.
• Research, verify, read, proof, edit and rewrite copy. Ensure accuracy and completeness of projects. Interview sources when appropriate.
• Assess technical, specialized and/or academic material from a wide variety of disciplines or sources to determine appropriate promotion for a general audience via external media relations.
• Submit weekly news placements for internal communications; work in collaboration with Media Relations Specialist to determine most efficient process for news gathering and reporting summaries back to internal stakeholders.
• Manage press release distribution via PR Newswire, Newswise, Campaign Monitor as well as submission to HSC News and USC News portal.
• Support media relations team on occasional event management, crisis communications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The Health System reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Qualifications:

• Req Bachelor’s Degree In Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field
• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
• Req 3 years minimum experience, 5 years preferred.
• Req Experience with writing, editing, proofreading, and the preparation of materials for publication.
• Req Proven ability as a self-starter and problem-solver who evaluates a situations, articulates possible solutions and earns the respect of others by carefully listening and presenting productive responses.
• Req Proficiency in Word Office Suite.
• Req Demonstrate excellent customer service behavior.
• Req Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Req Mastery of AP Stylebook writing guides.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Experience writing and editing of materials closely related to health system activities.
• Pref Photography skills and InDesign.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $33.00 - $54.02. 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.

                                                  

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

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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:

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