Academic Program Specialist

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC) is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to work in USC Sea Grant. USC Sea Grant is part of a national network and focuses on the 'Urban Ocean,' integrating research, education, and outreach to address issues in managing people and coastal resources in an urban region. The specialist will support educational outreach, workforce development, and special projects like research funding and student fellowships, advancing strategic priorities related to federal grants and California Coastal Management. This role requires strong project management, attention to compliance and deadlines, and effective collaboration with faculty, students, reviewers, and federal partners. The position involves managing day-to-day operations of academic and research programs, including planning, implementation, and tracking of activities.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• Minimum Experience: 2 years.
• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience
• Experience in higher education and/or customer service.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics.
• Demonstrated database/data entry experience.
• Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
• Resume and cover letter required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 5 years of experience in a field related to marine science or marine policy (e.g., oceanography, climate science, marine and coastal resources, environmental policy or management, coastal engineering, geology, urban planning, economics)
• Experience managing competitive funding programs, fellowships, or academic research administration strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with federal grant processes and reporting requirements (NOAA experience a plus).
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within team environments while independently managing projects, grant activities, and outreach initiatives across diverse stakeholders and settings.
• Proficiency in data management, spreadsheets, and basic administrative systems.

Responsibilities

• Support Sea Grant related educational outreach and workforce development activities and special project tasking such as our research funding program and student fellowship programs.
• Advance strategic priorities related to the Federal grant program and the California Coastal Management priorities as outlined in our Strategic Plan.
• Administer competitive research and fellowship programs that advance coastal science, workforce development, and science-informed coastal management.
• Play a central role in coordinating our biennial, peer-reviewed coastal research proposal competition.
• Manage the annual Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship process.
• Support required federal reporting.
• Manage day-to-day operations of USC Sea Grant specific academic and research programs, including planning, implementation, and tracking of program activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level