Administrative Assistant II

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Price Center on National Defense and Public Safety (CNDPS) at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy (USC Price) advances interdisciplinary education, research, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen civil-military-first responder relationships. CNDPS combines its Local Leaders Forum (the Forum) for mayors, council members, city managers, city and county staff, with military (MI) and public safety initiatives (PSI). As part of our MI, we offer executive education through two main programs: USC SHIELD and USC BASECAMP. PSI develops and delivers executive education programs, including the Public Safety Leadership Program (PSLP) and Executive Leadership Program (ELP), designed to equip public safety professionals with the tools to lead in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments. CNDPS is also home to university programs such as Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and Nautical Science. Through partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and academic institutions, our programs foster innovative approaches to public management and public policy that emphasize leadership development, collaboration, and real-world application. A dedicated team supports program operations, stakeholder engagement, communications, and large-scale events, ensuring high-impact learning experiences and strong external partnerships. With the addition of new partnerships and programs, this role will also play a critical role in supporting the development and implementation of new initiatives, helping expand CNDPS’s programming and impact at the local, regional, and national levels.

USC Price is seeking an Administrative Assistant II to support CNDPS initiatives, particularly Public Safety Initiatives (50%) and the Local Leaders Forum (25%), and to serve as Executive Assistant to the CNDPS Director (25%). This role functions as a key administrative and operational partner, supporting the execution of executive education programs, managing day-to-day office operations, and providing high-level administrative support to leadership. The position requires strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This is a full-time, one year fixed term (renewable) position with an on-site work arrangement on the Los Angeles University Park Campus.

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of administrative work experience.
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with exemplary attention to detail.
• Proven project management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate program lectures, symposia, conferences, events, travel, and program-related expenses.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including communication regarding scheduling and billing.
• Experience in program budget oversight.
• Experience in planning large-scale events.
• Experience in higher education and/or customer service environments.
• Proficiency in Blackboard Learn, Zoom, and Microsoft 365.
• Ability to supervise student staff and volunteers, as needed.
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
• Combined experience and education may be used to substitute for minimum education requirements.
• Minimum Experience: Three years.
• Combined education and experience may be used to substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
• Minimum Skills: Secretarial or specialized clerical and administrative experience.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degrees encouraged and preferred.
• A graduate degree is encouraged and preferred.
• Preferred Experience: 4 years

Responsibilities

• Organizes and expedites workflow through the Director’s office, Local Leaders, and Public Safety Initiatives, serving as a key resource to internal and external stakeholders and ensuring effective communication across departments
• Composes and produces a variety of correspondence and materials, including program communications, reports, presentations, and executive-level documents
• Ensures confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information related to personnel, programs, partnerships, and executive leadership matters
• Coordinates public-facing programs and events, including executive education courses, conferences, and certificate ceremonies; manages vendors, logistics, and promotional materials
• Supports contracts and program administration, including coordination of a new county partnership requiring program development, implementation, stakeholder engagement, and reporting
• Researches, gathers, and tracks data related to program outcomes, participant engagement, and reporting needs; assists in preparing program evaluations and summary reports.
• Maintains and updates program websites and digital platforms, including content management, communications, and ensuring accuracy and consistency of information
• Assists with budget tracking and financial processes, including monitoring program expenses, processing payments and reimbursements, and supporting financial reporting
• Screens and prioritizes communications, including emails and calls, responding to inquiries and directing requests appropriately
• Maintains program databases and records, including participant information, instructor coordination, and program tracking systems
• Supports office operations and resource management, including equipment, supplies, and operational needs for program delivery
• Provides guidance and coordination for student workers or temporary staff, including assigning tasks and ensuring the timely completion of program deliverables
• The Administrative Assistant II is expected to operate with a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and initiative. This role plays a critical part in advancing CNDPS’s mission by ensuring operational excellence, supporting leadership, and enhancing program impact across the public safety community.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Benefits

• health benefits for staff and their families with access to the renowned university medical network
• eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions
• tuition benefits for staff and their families
• professional development classes
• a central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pickup services
• discounts to sporting and other campus events

What This Job Offers

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