Education and Outreach Manager

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, staff, and students that make the university a great place to work.  

As a community of Dornsife College “we are committed to the creation, preservation, and communication of fundamental knowledge in all its forms…as well as a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to the betterment of society.”  The academic mission of Dornsife College can only be realized to its fullest potential when we build and protect a representative, equitable, inclusive culture of scholarship for students, faculty, and staff.  This is not done through initiatives but by embedding these values into the everyday interactions, relationships, policies, and practices of the College.  What is required is a seamless integration of the tenets of equity and inclusivity into every facet of academic life.  If we want our scholars, staff, and students to be able to give their very best, we must create an academic environment that portends success.  

Success is possible when every member of the Dornsife community owns their role as a steward of the culture in which we learn, research, and work; when we believe that it is because of who we are that we are able to do what we do: achieve excellence, together. 

Achieving a robust and inclusive academic culture requires more than just the completion of a task, but includes that person’s capacity to contribute positively to the relationships and culture of their office or department.  Therefore, any applicant seeking to advance the mission of Dornsife College should also be assessed on their capacities beyond the technical elements of their work, and demonstrate an understanding of their impact on others, and to articulate how they contribute positively to those around them.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking Education and Outreach Manager in the Sea Grant Department.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.

The Education and Outreach Manager is needed to increase Southern California regional literacy among youth and families through development, delivery, and evaluation of indoor and outdoor educational programming that supports the missions of the USC Sea Grant program. To learn more about USC Sea Grant, please visit our Strategic Plan and other information on our website at https://dornsife.usc.edu/uscseagrant/.

The individual will facilitate the collaboration of diverse network of diverse partners in order to identify common programmatic needs and strategies, including scheduling and hosting educational programming. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop a K-12 research-based education program that addresses local needs and increases literacy about USC Sea Grant’s priority research and outreach areas (e.g., coastal resilience, invasive species, aquaculture, and coastal health). 
• Support regional educators in implementing USC Sea Grant curricula through check-ins, connecting them with partners and other educators who are incorporating ocean literacy into their classrooms, and providing grant-funded financial support, as appropriate.
• Maintain regular interactions with Sea Grant and, including attending weekly staff meetings, and interact regularly with USC Sea Grant and the USC Wrigley Institute of Environment colleagues.
• Maintain regular contact (calls, online meetings) with regional educators and/or  professionals to discuss ongoing progress and needs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state, regional, and national partners including the K-12 educational teams at the University of Southern California,  educational institutions, research scientists, professional societies, and other entities as appropriate.
• Participate in program evaluation and reporting, which is an essential component of the position.
• Manage a small number of student or public volunteers, interns or assisting staff.
• Occupy a primary duty station at the USC University Park Campus, with some opportunities for hybrid/remote days that promotes formal and informal interactions with staff and researchers on an ongoing basis.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least two years of research or field experience in marine aquaculture or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in K-12 education.
• Demonstrated superior communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Must possess adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience in marine science or related field.
• Knowledge of educational virtual platforms used in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties, Environmental Literacy, Next Generation Science Standards, and Common Core alignments as well as awareness of community-supported science initiatives are desired.
• Familiarity with Cooperative Extension/Sea Grant Extension non-advocacy, research-based, educational programmingSpanish language skills preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:           

A valid driver’s license/the means to travel to communities; some out-of-state travel will be possible. The ability to drive a university vehicle while at USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island is an expectation.  

Salary range: The hourly rate range for this position is $28.01 - $31.54. 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 local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

APPOINTMENT TERMS:

This full-time position (37.5 hrs/week) is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.  The initial appointment is anticipated to begin on February, 2025.  The person in this position will work closely with the Extension team at USC Sea Grant, located on the University Park Campus in Los Angeles. However, the position also requires off campus work with regional partners and at various coastal sites. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume, cover letter (highlighting your qualifications and interests) and three letters of reference required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
• 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.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

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. 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.