Academic Program Specialist

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $30 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC) Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to work in USC Sea Grant. The USC Sea Grant Program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles is part of the national network of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant Program. Our program is a federal-state-university partnership that integrates research, education, and outreach with a specific focus on the ‘Urban Ocean’ and solving issues arising out of managing people and natural coastal resources in an intensely urban and developed region. We seek a highly organized person to support Sea Grant related educational outreach and workforce development activities and special project tasking such as our research funding program and student fellowship programs. This person will advance strategic priorities related to the Federal grant program and the California Coastal Management priorities as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

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
• Minimum Field of Expertise: 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.

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

• Manage day-to-day operations of USC Sea Grant specific academic and research programs, including planning, implementation, and tracking of program activities.
• 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.
• Perform 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