Academic Program Specialist

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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.

• 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. Develops and implements 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.

• 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.
• Minimum Field of Expertise:
  Experience in higher education and/or customer service.

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

• 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.

Job  | Posted Date: 12/08/2025

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