Executive Project Specialist

Executive Project Specialist
Office of the Senior Vice President of Human Resources
University of Southern California

Reporting to the Special Assistant to the SVPHR, this role is part of a broader organizational realignment and has been designed to support the university’s commitment to operational excellence, effective project management, and the advancement of strategic human resources initiatives. The Executive Project Specialist provides specialized professional support to executives and project leaders, assisting in the coordination and delivery of a variety of administrative initiatives. This position plays a vital role in supporting high-priority projects and operational activities that advance the mission of USC Human Resources.

About the Role

The Executive Project Specialist supports the administration and coordination of a variety of projects, contributing to planning, organization, research, and delivery of services. This includes developing and implementing project goals and strategies, assisting with short- and long-term planning, and coordinating activities to meet deadlines and objectives. The role serves as a point of contact for faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, provides quality control for deliverables, and contributes to the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration and coordination of a variety of research and/or administrative projects, ensuring quality control and alignment with project objectives.

• Support the development and implementation of project goals, strategies, and timelines, including both short- and long-term planning.

• Provide assistance to management with administrative functions such as planning, organizing, coordinating, scheduling, and implementing project activities.

• Participate in the preparation of reports, correspondence, presentations, and other documentation of project status, activities, and results.

• Serve as a liaison with faculty, staff, and external contacts to exchange information, resolve issues, and ensure project needs are met.

• Develop and maintain electronic databases and records for reporting and tracking purposes, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.

• Plan and coordinate meetings, seminars, symposia, and other events, including preparing agendas, materials, and follow-up documentation.

• Assist in planning data collection activities, recommend methods and procedures for data management and quality control, and generate charts, graphs, and tables to present analysis results.

• Research, gather, organize, and summarize data for reports, make recommendations, and present findings to project leadership.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of project direction, schedules, and activities, recommending and implementing changes as needed to achieve goals.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to assigned staff, student workers, volunteers, and/or graduate assistants, including training and assessing proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education)

• Two years of directly related project or administrative experience

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Three years of directly related experience

• Demonstrated success in coordinating projects in higher education or a large, complex organization

• Experience developing reports, managing budgets, and analyzing project data

The annual base range for this position is $29.19 - $42.00/hr. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

The position is a hybrid work arrangement, with employees expected to be on-site 2-3 days per week.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Skills: Directly related project or administrative experience. Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 3 years