Academic Program Specialist

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a 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 a great place to work. 

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to work in Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE). The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE) is a hub that supports the operations of affiliated academic and research centers and institutes across the humanities, social sciences, and life sciences. With an innovative approach to staff support, AIRE assists in areas such as academic event coordination, business processes, and communications and media. We are seeking an enthusiastic professional to help expand this model by providing comprehensive support to all research centers and institutes within Dornsife.

The support functions include, but are not limited to:

• Plans and implements academic program services and activities (e.g., scheduling, meetings, academic event support). Participates in program marketing and/or recruiting campaigns.
• Coordinates distribution of academic program materials (e.g., newsletters, class notifications). Drafts and/or generates complex communication items (e.g., reports, conference and seminar materials). Coordinates production (e.g., formatting, copying) and dissemination of documents (e.g., presentations, course handouts, grant proposals).
• Collects data and conducts analyses on academic program performance. Evaluates program content and service effectiveness, and reports results.
• Contributes to the budget development, processing, and monitoring complex financial transactions and researching and resolving discrepancies.
• Oversees the recruitment process for student workers. Develop and implement training programs to ensure student workers are well-prepared for their role and responsibilities.
• Provides customer service and performs administrative and clerical tasks and duties as needed to ensure programs are supported. Acts as a point of contact for academic programs and responds to or coordinates responses to information requests.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Preferred qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics.
• Demonstrated database/data entry experience.
• Proven project management and problem-solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• Minimum Experience: 2 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.88 - $33.82. 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.

Work Arrangement: This is a 100% full-time, on-site/on-campus position.

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

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience in higher education and/or customer service. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders. Demonstrated attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.

                                                  

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.

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