Program Coordinator

In order for your application to be considered, please attach a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to your employment application.

The Sol Price School of Public Policy at University of Southern California is seeking a candidate to assume the role of Program Coordinator in the METRANS Transportation Center. This position will provide administrative support to the METRANS Transportation Center, including administrative responsibilities for center grant programs.

Job summary:

This position will be supervised by the METRANS associate director of administration. Work duties will be on the USC campus. Hybrid work that allows working from home some, but not all, days per week can be accommodated by agreement of the selected candidate and the METRANS associate director of administration. We anticipate that hybrid work arrangements will require that the selected candidate be on campus two to three days per week, on a regular schedule agreed to by the selected candidate and the METRANS director.  This is a full time, one year, fixed-term (renewable) position.

The METRANS program coordinator is responsible for 1) all of the reporting and record keeping of two USDOT center grants, 2) administration of the RFP, proposal review, and proposal award process associated with these grants, 3) assistance with seminars, conferences, and other events, 4) administration associated with the METRANS Advisory Board, 5) maintenance of all center files, 6) the Director's calendar and 7) the process of reimbursements.  The METRANS program coordinator will also be responsible for assisting with other METRANS grant programs and with outreach and education activities of the center as those duties are assigned.

The candidate should have the following qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in project management or associated tasks in a research center or university setting or for candidates with less than two years of experience, demonstrated highly relevant experience,

• Organizes and expedites flow of work through supervisor’s office and/or administrative department.  Initiates follow-up action.

• An ability to maintain communication and work with a dispersed set of colleagues across several universities, agencies, and community partners. Composes and produces a variety of business correspondence, reports, confidential documents and/or forms, and related materials or guides the work of other staff who produce these materials. Reviews and signs, as authorized. Coordinates department public relations functions, as assigned, such as special events, conferences, seminars, etc. Arranges with vendors for sites, facilities, catering, guest accommodations, etc. Coordinates production and/or distribution of promotional materials.

• Researches and gathers data for departmental reports. Conducts preliminary analysis of data. Recommends report content and format to display finding most effectively.

• Tracks and monitors assigned budget expenditures and/or special actions and reports on variances.

• Strong organizational skills and strategic thinking.

• Expertise with file creation, editing, and sharing software tools such as Microsoft Office suite, Adobe, Google applications for document sharing, and similar software tools.

• Candidates with experience and past demonstrated success in project management will typically be more competitive.

In addition to the above desired qualifications, these qualifications are an advantage: 1) strong writing skills, 2) understanding of or familiarity with transportation policy and/or transportation research or closely related topics. The position requires at a minimum a bachelors degree, with masters degree or more advanced degrees preferred.

The expected start date is December 1, 2024

About the METRANS Transportation Center: The METRANS Transportation Center was established in 1998 through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) as the first University Transportation Center in Southern California. METRANS is a joint partnership of the University of Southern California (USC) and California State University Long Beach (CSULB). METRANS is housed at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. At USC, METRANS researchers span urban planning, public policy, and all fields of engineering.

The mission of the METRANS Transportation Center is to solve transportation problems of large metropolitan regions through interdisciplinary research, education and outreach. METRANS has three primary objectives: 1) Foster independent, high quality research to solve the nation's transportation problems; 2) Train the next generation transportation workforce; and 3) Disseminate information, best practices, and technology to the professional community. We accomplish these objectives through a comprehensive and collaborative program of research, education, information dissemination and technology transfer organized around three topical focus areas:

• Integrated management of freight and passenger systems
• Sustainable and efficient urban freight transportation
• Mobility of urban populations

Compensation:

The hourly rate range for this position is $24.62 - $27.59. 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.

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance:

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy: The mission of the Price School is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad. We achieve this mission through education and research that promote innovative solutions to the most critical issues facing society, with a particular focus on governance, urban development, and social policy. The Price School offers Ph.D. programs in Public Policy and Management and Urban Planning; masters’ degrees in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Health Administration, and Real Estate Development; executive masters’ degrees; and undergraduate degrees.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Skills: Secretarial or specialized clerical and administrative experience. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree Preferred Experience: 4 years