Program Specialist, Membership and Events

The Pacific Council seeks to hire a Program Specialist to contribute to its events and membership (i.e. “engagement”) program. This role specializes in constituent engagement within our curated, West Coast global affairs community, including member recruitment and retention, planning and executing regular in-person and virtual events, and developing and executing communications campaigns to market events and attract new constituents to the organization. This role supports the organization’s mission to build the capacity of Los Angeles and California for impact on global issues, discourse, and policy.

The role includes aspects of project management, including monitoring progress and updating project management tools, supporting the creation and distribution of regular updates to members and stakeholders, and scheduling and organizing meetings and public-facing events on pertinent local-to-global issues. The Program Specialist, Events and Membership brings membership and event management specialization and international affairs industry knowledge to the role.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Coordination and Promotion

• Plans, markets, and attends in-person and online events 2-3 times per month
• Designs and executes event activity, services,and special events. Oversees the events calendar for all internal and external events.
• Composes international relations event overviews and web content; provides and approves newsletter content related to events
• Manages event logistics, including vendors, venues, food & beverage, and guest registration
• Researches the (speaker/ global affairs industry) market and recruits speakers according to member interests and demand
• Executes events spanning in-person and virtual event platforms

Membership Management

• Serves as the primary organizational contact for members; promptly answers inquiries about recruitment, renewals, and upcoming activity.
• Plans and implements quarterly or bi-annual new member recruitment events and processes
• Develops communications campaigns for and oversees implementation of annual membership renewal cycle(s) in conjunction with business operations staff

Member and community outreach

• Designs and manages communications campaigns to increase member recruitment and retention and improve awareness of the organization within the community; implements campaigns in coordination with Associate Director of Engagement and communications contract team
• Implements department’s marketing strategy; develops promotional materials and online posts about membership opportunities in coordination with Associate Director of Engagement and communications contract team

Administration

• Builds, documents, and improves internal processes and workflows, including SOP documentation
• Develops and oversees project timelines; owner of progress-tracking in project management tool
• Oversees member and event data collection, record-keeping, and event campaign creation on Salesforce and other virtual event platforms in conjunction with administrative staff
• Manages virtual events production on Zoom and other relevant event platforms (i.e. Instagram, others as needed)
• Monitors department expenses and reports progress to senior members of team regularly

Data analysis and collection

• Recommends program modifications or creation of new event lineup and services to meet department and organizational KPIs.
• Identifies areas of improvement in overall data management ecosystem

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years relevant experience, such as event management, association management, fundraising, sales, marketing and / or program delivery
• High energy, positive “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, impeccable attention to detail, and high degree of initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex relationships across various levels and functional areas.
• Demonstrated, deep commitment to mission, core values, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Proficiency with CRMs, project management tools, Microsoft Office, Google Drive programs, Apple and PC operating systems, and Zoom
• Employee must abide by USC’s COVID-19 protocols at all times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in international relations or related field preferred
• Experience working in government or other international affairs setting
• Working knowledge of how to navigate United Nations, Department of State, Department of Defense, and /or other international affairs actors and organizational structures
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Experience in and capacity to work in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to multi-task and manage various project elements simultaneously
• Proficiency with Salesforce

ADDITIONAL QUALITIES NEEDED

• Relationship Management: Able to cross manage their peers and supervisors against internal project deadlines and initiatives. Balance their own projects against the needs of others. Able to work independently as well as on a team. Understand urgent versus important.
• Executes to Results: Strong ability to create and execute against work plans. History of meeting goals and achieving benchmarks and holding self and others accountable. Trouble-shoot and work well with others. Ability to manage a high volume of transactions and be productive in a fast-paced multitasked environment. Committed to process and efficiency. Must be very detail-oriented.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written. Good listener, empathetic team player, and flexible.
• Subject-Matter Understanding: A background or interest in international affairs and/or public policy.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual base salary range for this position is $56,628 - $65,000. 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.

USC has excellent benefits, including health and dental 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.

Applications should be submitted via usccarreers.usc.edu and should include the following:

• Resume

• A cover letter (Our system will allow you to add additional documentation by clicking the “upload” button in the same section where you attach your resume.)

• No phone calls, and please do not contact existing staff about this opportunity.

Pacific Council overview
The Los Angeles-based Pacific Council on International Policy (pacificcouncil.org) is an independent, nonpartisan organization committed to building the vast potential of the West Coast for impact on global issues, discourse, and policy. Since 1995, the Pacific Council has hosted discussion events on issues of international importance, convened task forces and working groups to address pressing policy challenges, and built a network of globally-minded members across the West Coast and the world. The Pacific Council’s activities in Los Angeles – conferences, speaker events, task forces, working groups, and delegations – offer a forum for the creation and exchange of ideas and tools to advocate for sound global policy. The Council is governed by a Board of Directors. Dr. Jerrold D. Green serves as President and CEO.

As a West Coast organization focused on international affairs, the Pacific Council applies significant energy to making an impact through programs and projects with special resonance for our region of the world.

About the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Located in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is a national leader in education and scholarship in the fields of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations. With an enrollment of more than 2,200 students, USC Annenberg offers doctoral, master's and bachelor's degree programs, as well as continuing development programs for working professionals across a broad scope of academic inquiry. The school's comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the core skills of leadership, innovation, service and entrepreneurship and draws upon the resources of a networked university located in the media capital of the world. For additional information, see our website: https://annenberg.usc.edu/.

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.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Preferred Education: Master's degree Preferred Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching. Preferred Field of Expertise: Special education, licensing or certification requirements may exist for some positions based on program content and services