Program Specialist

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, students and staff 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.

Charles E. Scheidt Academic Relations and Outreach Officer

The USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research is seeking a Program Specialist to serve as the Center’s Charles E. Scheidt Academic Relations and Outreach Officer. This position will report to the CAGR Associate Director and will provide support for the planning, coordination, and execution of research, program and outreach activities of the Center. The specific focus will be on developing programs geared towards reaching faculty and students within and beyond USC, broadening and deepening the awareness, integration, and use of USC's unique Holocaust and genocide-related research resources in teaching and research.

Founded in 2014, the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research is dedicated to advancing innovative interdisciplinary research on genocide and mass violence, focusing on transforming the way we understand the origins, dynamics, and consequences of mass violence, as well as the conditions and dimensions of resistance. The Center’s unique academic program, including a competitive international research fellowship program, interdisciplinary international conferences, and other events, attracts scholars at all levels, from all over the world, and from a multitude of disciplines.

Job Accountabilities:

• Conceptualizes and develops innovative ways for greater integration of USC’s Holocaust and genocide-related research resources into academic teaching and learning environments, as well as into scholarly research
• Develops and fosters partnerships with faculty, academic departments, and student organizations, on the USC campus and beyond
• Identifies and cultivates strategic relationships with faculty to increase reach, impact, and integration of USC resources into teaching and research
• Coordinates planning and promotion of workshops with faculty, librarians, academic departments, student organizations, and institutes, inside and outside USC
• Organizes and conducts workshops and conferences, at USC and other national and international universities and research institutions, and produces reports after workshops
• Seeks and identifies solutions that address teaching and research interests by improving access to USC resources
• Prepares and coordinates meetings of the Faculty Advisory Council, strengthening the Center’s relationship to the wider USC community and soliciting input from faculty on Center programs and activities; identifying opportunities for future cooperation and collaboration
• Identifies and pursues prospects for cooperation, cosponsorship, and funding contributions for Center conferences and events
• Designs, develops, and implements strategies for broadening the Center’s network, including strategies for alumni engagement, expansion of newsletter list, cultivation of Center community of donors, etc.
• Conducts research in support of the Center’s programs and activities
• Contributes to the ongoing work of the Center, including participating in meetings, selecting fellows and conference participants, supporting the research of fellows and visiting scholars, contributing to the development of policies and processes, preparing materials in support of grant proposals or stewardship, providing feedback on Center programs, and developing relationships
• Drafts and edits grant proposals, newsletter and articles on the CAGR website.
• Reviews and edits proposals of other Center staff
• Develops, shares, and drafts ideas for stories and profiles on Center website
• Engages with the Dornsife College and University communications teams to pitch and develop stories about the Center
• Promotes Center events, fellowships, conferences, workshops, lectures, and other events and opportunities
• Increases Center visibility by pursuing, presenting, and publishing research
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested; the University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time

Qualifications:

• Preferred Education: PhD
• Fluency in a second language preferred
• Professional or managerial experience in higher education in areas of research, teaching and/or archival services
• Must possess strong organizational, project development, and management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while balancing and prioritizing multiple projects
• Ability to learn, adapt quickly, and work well under pressure
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills; both written and oral
• Typically possesses experience writing and editing scholarly texts; grant proposal writing; and developing projects in post-secondary education
• Demonstrated ability to scope and manage academic and research projects and academic relationships
• Must be highly knowledgeable in related subject areas such as Holocaust or Genocide Studies
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Must be able to travel nationally and internationally

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $31.43 - $35.43. 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.

This is a gift-funded position.

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.  

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
• 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 Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching.