Academic Program Manager

Academic Program Manager  

The Division of Cinema & Media Studies (CAMS) within the USC School of Cinematic Arts is seeking applicants for an Academic Program Manager. The Cinema & Media Studies Division has consistently been ranked among the best film and media programs in the country, and Cinema & Media Studies is one of the core divisions of the school with a large undergraduate and graduate population. Faculty and alumni are recognized as leaders in their respective areas of study, and the division has many notable alumni teaching and doing research around the world.

Qualifications

The ideal applicant for the position would have demonstrated skills and interest in program and budget management and educational administration. An interest and understanding of film and media studies is essential, and an interest in undergraduate teaching is optional.

Job Responsibilities

This position is responsible for managing an academic program at the university and reports to a faculty director (Chair) also charged with program management responsibilities. The position directly supervises staff and manages program operations and administrative functions to include budget design, program evaluation, policy implementation, strategic planning, personnel administration, marketing, and promotion. Teaching undergraduate seminars is optional and contingent on candidate interest and qualifications, and divisional needs.

The support functions include but are not limited to:

• Oversight of division budget including preparation of budget proposals, expenditure tracking, reconciliation, and budget closing.  In addition, oversee the division donor funds and research funds for faculty and students, including graduate travel requests, and travel grant transfers and matches.
• Tracking and reconciliation of graduate funding support and TA labor allocations.
• Management of administrative staff, including postdoctoral fellows and Spectator layout staff. In addition, provide oversight of day-to-day operations of the division and serve as leader of the administrative team in meetings.
• Oversight and strategic planning, budgeting, and tracking of division courses and enrollments.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and contract preparation for adjuncts and part-timers, and serving as liaison to the HR office during the hiring process.
• Serve as managing editor for the division journal Spectator, preparing contracts, and working with editors and vendors to print and distribute the publication.
• Serve as supervisor for the division Postdoctoral Fellows, including their work on the division journal Spectator.
• Maintain and revise division policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Assist in ceremonies and events for the division, including recruitment, orientation, and graduation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Successful candidates will have strong organizational and communication skills, administrative acumen, budget, and accounting experience, as well as a genuine interest in working with students, staff, and faculty. Ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment, as well as flexibility in the face of changing priorities and fluctuating workloads is critical.

Minimum Education:

Master's degree

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

3-5 years

Minimum Field of Expertise:

Directly related experience in educational administration.

Preferred Education:  

Doctorate

Preferred Experience:

5 years

Preferred Field of Expertise: Administrative experience in a university environment and knowledge of university policies and procedures.

This position is based on the USC campus in the School of Cinematic Arts complex. The position is full-time within a hybrid work environment.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $94,500- $105,000. Salary would be offered based on skills and education level. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of 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 is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, gender, creed and background. The University particularly encourages women, members of underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Application Documents

Resume

Cover letter

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience managing learning programs for adults. Demonstrated experience in management/leadership roles, building and maintaining relationships with domestic and international stakeholders. Proven budget oversight and planning experience. 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, 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. Manages academic program operations, services, day-to-day activities and administrative functions. Participates in the development of short- and long-term program strategies. Manages team members, and is responsible for staff and team development.