Project Specialist - Administrative

The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate is seeking a Project Specialist – Administrative to support a portfolio of executive education, research, and center-wide initiatives, including Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC). This position plays a key role in ensuring the successful execution of the Ross Program in Real Estate, advancing operations and community engagement across NDSC and other strategic initiatives, and supporting marketing and communications for the Lusk Center.

Launched in October 2017, NDSC is a free, publicly available online resource that helps civic actors understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing Los Angeles County neighborhoods — using maps, charts, data analysis, and storytelling to help community stakeholders track measurable change, improve local policies and programs, and advocate for a better quality of life in their communities. This is a full-time, one year fixed term position with a hybrid work arrangement.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in real estate, public policy, higher education, or nonprofit management.

• Assist in the day-to-day administration and coordination of the Ross Program in Real Estate executive education program.

• Coordinate program planning, logistics, schedules, and participant communications.

• Develop and maintain project timelines, materials, and operational processes.

• Support program delivery, including on-site event coordination and faculty engagement.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to the participant experience and program operations.

• During the Ross Program sessions, fully on-site attendance will be required.

• Coordinate operations across NDSC, the State of Los Angeles County Housing and Neighborhoods (SOLACHAN) report, and the Ross Program.

• Manage internal workflows, documentation, and project tracking.

• Support community outreach and engagement, including maintaining relationships with community partners, tracking partner communications, and coordinating outreach activities.

• Coordinate meetings and follow-up with internal and external partners.

• Coordinate marketing and communications for the Lusk Center, including newsletters, website content, social media, and promotional materials.

• Support communications for programs, events, publications, and fundraising initiatives.

• Develop and maintain marketing collateral and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree, or combined experience and education in lieu of the degree requirement.

• 2+ years of directly related project or administrative experience.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common collaboration tools.

• Experience with executive education, event planning, or program administration.

• Interest in real estate, urban policy, economic development, or higher education.

• Experience with community outreach, partner engagement, or stakeholder relations.

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.14 - $34.04. 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…