Academic Program Director - Social Sciences

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 a Academic Program Director in the Academic Services Hub. 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.

Based on a divisional framework, Academic Services Hubs will provide staff support to approximately 35 departments across Dornsife. Each hub will serve one division and the number of departments per division varies. The mission of the Dornsife Academic Service Hubs is to provide optimal, localized support to academic departments by providing specialized services that foster the academic, instructional, and research-driven engagement of faculty, staff and students in the Dornsife community.

The Academic Program Director in the Social Sciences will directly lead the academic program management and student support groups in the hub. The director will also have indirect supervision of the administrative/clerical group of the hub and will work collaboratively with the Senior Office Manager and Administrative Director to ensure that the hub effectively leads and manages the operations, activities and unique identity of each department in that division. As the lead on staff management within the hub, the Academic Program Director will direct short-term and long-term strategic planning, including but not limited to the following: standardizing processes and procedures, consistently leaning into feedback loops with department chairs as informative channels of change, ensuring compliance and adherence to university policies and procedures and fostering strong relationships with relevant stakeholders. A key focus of the director will be to work with the Dean’s office on resolving critical issues and promoting a strong sense of collaboration amongst the academic disciplines through the organizational hub structure. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, specifically working with academic departments

• Ability to take an innovative approach to changing landscapes and conflict resolution

• Ability to communicate consistently and effectively with multiple stakeholders

• Ability to critically analyze situations/challenges to inform decision making

Salary range: The annual base salary range for this position is $132,164 - $166,138. 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: Master's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 7 years Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience Minimum Skills: Experience developing programs, partnerships, and funding sources. Proven experience in management/leadership roles, overseeing staff and building and maintaining relationships with domestic and international stakeholders. Experience resolving inquiries and complaints, and presenting information to varied audiences and maintain confidentiality. Proven analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in specialized areas. Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with exemplary attention to detail. Experience in higher education and/or customer service. Proven ability to plan, implement, coordinate and organize program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 10 years in an academic leadership role in higher education Preferred Skills: Proven track record of grant writing. Experience developing project ideas and in various academic fields with industry leaders, policy makers and analysts.