CAREER CENTER

The University Relations Division at the University of Southern California is dedicated to enhancing USC’s relationships by building meaningful connections between the university and its various stakeholders, and offering programs and services that enhance the quality of life in the community. Our Division accomplishes this by collaborating with others to inform and engage stakeholders, by enlisting stakeholders in the advancement of the University, and by creating and promoting educational, cultural, and artistic programming through the work of its seven departments: Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships; Government Relations; Public Relations; Educational (K-12) Partnerships; Government Partnerships; and Marketing; USC Radio; Protocol and University Events; and the office of the senior vice president.

Since its founding in 1880, USC has been an anchor civic steward and part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Southern California. Today, the university enrolls 48,500 undergraduate and graduate students and features a distinguished faculty of 4,000 innovative scholars, researchers, teachers and mentors. Keck Medicine of USC operates two acute care hospitals, a community hospital and more than 40 outpatient facilities. USC is also the City of Los Angeles’ largest private employer with over 28,000 employees and generates $8 billion annually for the local economy.

University Relations is seeking a Program Administrator to oversee the Bridges to Business and Nonprofit Resilient Leaders programs. These two programs contribute to the expansion and long-term sustainability of University Relations community programming in a variety of areas including Housing Justice, community resilience, workforce development, and small business development, with a goal of creating inclusive social and economic ecosystems that support thriving communities and long-term sustainability. The position will be housed in the Department of Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships (CEEP).

This position is a tremendous opportunity to be part of USC’s continued development and expansion of its inclusive and equitable economic ecosystem for community sustaining programs. 

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day administration of the Bridges to Business and Nonprofit Resilient Leaders programs, as well as engaging in long-term visioning and evolutionary planning. Collaborating with the broader CEEP team, the administrator would ensure the long-term sustainability, viability, and growth of initiatives that strengthen the local community ecosystem. The Administrator would draft and submit internal memoranda, design and finalize program collateral, and produce regular electronic content (including, but not limited to, website content and social media). This position evaluates the needs of these programs and develops an execution strategy and course of action after developing a deep understanding of program content and requirements. In addition to the production of project materials and collateral, the Administrator would design, plan, track, and execute program-specific activities and events. The position may also assist in the development and submission of grant applications in support of program initiatives, as well as broader University Relations initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Administration

• Oversee planning and coordination of program activities and events that contribute to building community capacity and resilience.
• Draft and approve related copy for internal memoranda, program collateral, and electronic content (including but not limited to website and social media). Revises and edits drafts provided by University Relations staff, including executive summaries, program and data summaries, and other related materials.
• Manages implementation of program practices and components, including, but not limited to: program recruitment schedules, review of program course materials, confirming participation of instructors and/or guest speakers, and assisting facilitation of classes and events.
• Oversee and manage execution of administrative tasks requiring coordination across different university administrative and academic units, such as CRUE (Cultural Relations and University Events), FPM (Facilities Planning and Management) or Local Government and Community Relations.
• Create, update, and/or maintain program-specific records, reports, presentations, protocols, and Frequently Asked Question documentation or other “how-to” literature.
• In consultation with the Vice President, serve as primary point of contact with program applicants, participants, and instructors. Assess and design proper approach in resolving inquiries or referring to appropriate individual or department.
• Manage, design, and schedule the use of technology for program operations, including, but not limited to, video conferencing, presentation delivery, online forums, and file sharing.
• Design overall evaluation framework of program needs and execution, and maintaining or refining processes to replicate successes or address opportunities for improvement.
• Develops a deep understanding of program content to ensure integrity and quality of proposal writing. Identifies and compiles scientific and/or technical information from principal investigators and researchers as necessary for research grants, consortium grants, and training grants. Manages creation of special reports, summaries, and analyses.
• Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources and background information in specialty area(s). Identifies and communicates risks associated with proposals.
• Maintains awareness and knowledge of changes in industry trends. Incorporates changes and advises researchers on best practices. Maintains subscriptions to relevant publications and memberships in professional organizations, as appropriate. Cultivates and maintains a network of professional contacts, as applicable.
• Compiles and organizes references into one coherent library or list for University Relations staff. Builds reference libraries for faculty and other grant writers as needed.

Grant Writing

• Reviews grant application material by evaluating text and ensuring proper formatting, satisfaction of grant portal requirements, graphics, and binding requirements where applicable.
• Develops grant proposal concepts to build community capacity initiatives. Studies requests for proposal (RFPs). Coordinates overall strategy with University Relations Staff and other stakeholders, and advises on policies and procedures related to proposal preparation, as needed.
• Assists University Relations staff involved with grant applications by reading, evaluating, critiquing and making suggestions for improvements in their grant application summaries and drafts, as necessary. Receives and incorporates feedback from University Relations staff in grant applications.
• Applies technical expertise to strengthen and improve proposal-writing process by evaluating and re-designing strategies, approaches, and policies. Implements changes as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.  The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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