Program Manager

Program Manager, Office of the President

Who We Are:

University of Southern California (USC) is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multifaceted environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks and be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

The Position:

The Office of the President is seeking a highly organized and strategic Program Manager to join its team. Reporting to the President’s Chief of Staff, this role is responsible for managing high-impact presidential initiatives, coordinating cross-functional projects, and supporting executive-level communications and events.

The Program Manager will lead the planning and execution of strategic programs, develop project frameworks, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the President’s priorities. Additional responsibilities include managing the President’s briefing program, supporting communications, and managing logistics for high-profile engagements.

To excel in this role, candidates will bring exceptional project management skills, keen attention to detail, and robust verbal and written communication skills. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment and demonstrates a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

The ideal candidate for this position will embody USC’s Unifying Values. They will consistently foster an environment that promotes these values, creating fair opportunities for contributions through their ideas, words, and actions in alignment with the principles of the USC Integrity and Accountability Code.

This is a fully onsite position based at the University Park Campus. The role may occasionally require work on evenings, weekends—particularly during home football games—and holidays, depending on business needs.

The Program Manager will:

• Lead and coordinate strategic presidential initiatives in collaboration with the President and Chief of Staff.

• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, milestones, and performance metrics.

• Facilitate cross-functional communication and resource alignment among stakeholders.

• Design and implement operational frameworks to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

• Maintain a network of internal and external contacts to support presidential priorities.

• Manage the President’s briefing program, including the preparation and organization of materials.

• Support executive communications by researching, organizing data, and creating presentation content.

• Coordinate and supervise presidential events in partnership with Cultural Relations and University Events.

• Collaborate with Central Communications to align remarks, run-of-show, and briefing materials.

• Review and track presidential communications to ensure consistency with the President’s voice and vision.

• This position may require weekend work related to football and the President’s Suite.Oversee logistics and planning for the President’s football engagements, including home and away games.

• Administer ticket distribution, vendor coordination, and budget management for football-related activities.

• Provide backup support for scheduling and travel arrangements for the President and Chief of Staff.

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

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Three years minimum experience or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Professional and supervisory experience in the area of program specialization.

Salary and Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $104,394.00 - $150,000.00. 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. 

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization