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Issues Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$161K - $242K/yr

Provides mentoring to project team members in regards to departmental, organizational and personnel issues and serves as a resource for change management, staff development and cross training.

You will do the work: shaping our company narrative, running major announcements, owning media relations, managing issues and rapid response, and coaching our executives. Your impact will come first ...

New

Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$161K - $242K/yr

Provides mentoring to project team members in regards to departmental, organizational and personnel issues and serves as a resource for change management, staff development and cross training.

Showing results 41-60

Issues Management information

What is issues management?

Issues management is the process of identifying, monitoring, and addressing concerns that could affect an organization’s reputation, operations, or objectives. Professionals in this field proactively detect emerging issues, assess their potential impact, and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects. This often involves coordinating communication, engaging stakeholders, and implementing crisis plans to protect the organization’s interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in issues management, and why are they important?

To excel in Issues Management, you need strong analytical skills, crisis communication abilities, and experience in public relations or corporate communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social listening platforms, and content management systems is commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills help professionals anticipate, address, and resolve sensitive issues efficiently. These competencies are vital to protecting an organization's reputation and ensuring timely, effective responses to emerging challenges.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in issues management, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Issues Management professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving situations, high-pressure decision-making, and the need to coordinate responses across multiple departments. Balancing transparency with confidentiality and ensuring consistent messaging can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it is essential to maintain clear communication channels, stay updated on emerging trends, and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders. Leveraging collaborative tools and regular scenario planning can further enhance the team's ability to respond effectively.

What is the difference between Issues Management vs Risk Analyst?

AspectIssues ManagementRisk Analyst
Primary FocusIdentifying, managing, and resolving current issues affecting projects or operationsAssessing and analyzing potential future risks to prevent problems
Skills & CertificationsCommunication, problem-solving, stakeholder management; certifications like PMP or CAPMData analysis, risk assessment, statistical skills; certifications like PMI-RMP or FRM
Work EnvironmentCorporate, project teams, crisis management settingsFinancial institutions, consulting firms, corporate risk departments

Issues Management focuses on handling existing problems to minimize impact, while Risk Analysts proactively identify and evaluate potential future risks. Both roles require analytical skills and certifications, but their core objectives differ: immediate resolution versus future prevention.

What are popular job titles related to Issues Management jobs in California?

For Issues Management jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Issues Management jobs?

Cities in California with the most Issues Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Issues Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

$300K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Office of USC Communications is seeking a strategic and highly experienced communications executive to serve as its next Vice President, Media (VP). Reporting to the Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, this senior leadership role will oversee university-wide media relations strategy, crisis communications, and public information efforts while advancing USC's institutional reputation on a national and global scale.
The VP serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and acts as the university's official spokesperson during major announcements, issues management, and crisis response situations. The ideal candidate is an accomplished communications leader with deep media expertise, exceptional judgment, and a collaborative leadership style suited for a fast-moving and complex organization.
This position will be fully onsite at the University Park Campus, 5 days a week.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead and execute comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with USC's institutional priorities and reputation goals.
  • Oversee proactive media outreach, relationship management, monitoring, analytics, and rapid-response communications.
  • Serve as the university's Public Information Officer during crises and emergency situations.
  • Partner with university leadership and campus stakeholders to ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness in messaging.
  • Build and lead high-performing communications teams through direct and indirect management structures.
  • Develop crisis communications plans and scenario strategies in coordination with internal and external partners.
  • Provide media counsel and strategic communications guidance for university milestones, events, and emerging issues.
  • Deliver presentations and communications to key constituents, leadership groups, and external audiences.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture grounded in USC's values and Code of Ethics.

Perform other related duties as assigned. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
  • 15 years of progressive media relations leadership experience within complex organizations, including crisis communications management.
  • Demonstrated experience leading multifaceted teams and managing communications in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
  • Significant experience leading media teams within a national or global public relations agency.
  • Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and advising executive leadership on media strategy and reputational issues.
  • Experience within higher education

Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring:
  • Deep understanding of modern media landscapes and best practices.
  • Proven expertise in issues management and crisis communications.
  • Strong executive presence and strategic thinking capabilities.
  • Collaborative leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate high-visibility situations with confidence and professionalism.
  • Experience within higher education

Required Documents and Additional Information
Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment).
The annual base salary range for this position is $300,000-$325,000. 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 support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.
The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#LI-Onsite
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, journalism, public relations, or in related field(s)
Preferred Education: Master's degree in communication, journalism, or in related field(s)
Required Work Experience: 15 years in proven media relations experience in roles leading multifaceted teams in complex organizations is required, including crisis communications management.
Required Work Experience: 15+ years in significant experience leading media teams in a national or global agency.
Required Skills: Excellent written and oral communications skills, with strong attention to detail. Demonstrated grasp of media best practices and high-level understanding of issues and crisis management. Proven ability to operate within a fast-moving, entrepreneurial, matrixed, and flexible work environment. Applied knowledge of media relations, acting as a spokesperson for an organization and demonstrating exceptional judgement. Demonstrated experience as an effective media executive leader with a collaborative, team-oriented approach with exemplary leadership qualifications.
Preferred Skills: Experience in media relations leading a media team at a national or global PR agency.
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$152143.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880