AFS Program Coordinator

The American Film Showcase (AFS) is the premier film diplomacy program of the U.S. Department of State and produced by USC School of Cinematic Arts. The program works with U.S. Embassies around the world to send American filmmakers on 7–10-day trips for filmmaking workshops, screenings and other outreach activities. The program curates a collection of 60 American films per year, from which embassies organize screenings and film festivals. AFS also produces specialized workshops both internationally and domestically. The American Film Showcase is an ambitious program produced by a small team and requires flexibility, patience, initiative, collaboration, and independent thinking.

The position of Program Coordinator (USC Job: Administrative Assistant II) will support the day-to-day implementation of the American Film Showcase program, with primary responsibility for coordinating international and domestic travel, logistics, and program operations. The position will work closely with the AFS Head of Operations, AFS Head of Communications and Finance, and CBT Travel Agency to create and maintain highly organized systems in order to further the mission of the program. This person should be able to work in a fast-paced, customer service-like work environment, balance tasks with attention to detail, demonstrate initiative, and have a desire to work with partners based around the world. The ideal candidate should be comfortable in MS Office applications (Work, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive (Google Sheets, Google Docs) and have strong communication and customer service skills. They should be self-motivated, and capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a team. A background or interest in global affairs, filmmaking, public policy, as well as experience in international production or programs.

This is a grant-funded fixed-term benefits eligible staff position.

Responsibilities:

• Support Head of Operations and Head of Communications and Finance on the day-to-day implementation of the American Film Showcase program with international and domestic travel coordination.
• Manage travel expectations with film industry talent and U.S. Embassy partners, communicate processes, and stay on top of USC procedures.
• Coordinate all international and domestic flight, train and ground transportation with CBT travel agency for AFS participants, envoys, instructors, U.S. Embassy staff, and AFS staff.
• Coordinate visa applications and corresponding paperwork for AFS participants, envoys, instructors, and staff.
• Coordinate accommodations, per diem for SCA staff, envoys, instructors, and participants.
• Support long-term planning and execution of multiple concurrent programs with varying timelines and requirements.
• Provide hands-on logistical support for AFS orientation, workshops, events, engagements, special projects, resolving issues, etc.
• Assist with tracking expenses, reimbursements, and payments.
• Manage and track domestic and international shipments for AFS.
• Maintain and organize AFS institutional data.
• Provide general administrative and programmatic support for AFS staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
• Minimum Experience: 3-4 years work experience in related fields including film/TV production, administration, travel booking, event management and/or logistical oversight.
• Strong experience in managing personal schedules, travel itineraries, production schedules and event run-of-shows.
• High proficiency using spreadsheets (Excel, Numbers, Google) and Microsoft Word and/or similar.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects daily with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptable, resourceful, patient, and calm in the face of unexpected problems.
• Outstanding people skills to work with many types of individuals, including high-level industry talent, in diverse cultural settings.
• Strong ability to navigate university and U.S. government protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• International or Cross-Cultural Experiences
• Film Production or Event Production Experience
• Languages
• Knowledge of University Financial Systems

The hourly range for this position is $29.23-32.02. 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.

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 comprises the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is. The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree

Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 3 years

Minimum Skills: Secretarial or specialized clerical and administrative experience.
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree

Preferred Experience: 4 years

                                                  

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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