Project Specialist - Administrative

Project Specialist, AdministrativeThe USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service is seeking a Project Specialist, Administrative in the External Affairs and Policy team. The position will primarily support event logistics and management, operations and special projects for the Center for Civic Society at the Schaeffer Institute. It will also provide event, stakeholder and communication project support for the Institute as a member of the External Affairs and Policy team.This position offers a unique opportunity in policy research center operations.

The right candidate will have administrative expertise, high attention to detail, and enthusiasm for bringing the right people together to inform public policy. The Schaeffer Institute serves a varied and diverse group of internal and external constituents—including students, academics, executives, philanthropists, and leading policymakers and staffers—across the political spectrum. Demonstrated experience communicating with and hosting VIP guests, including trustees, board members, and government officials, is a plus.This position can be based at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles or the USC Capital Campus in Washington, DC.

This is a full-time, 1-year fixed term position (renewable). Some travel may be required.Key duties include but are not limited to the following:Event OperationsManage Center for Civic Society meetings, events, conferences, and seminars; arrange for vendors, facilities, catering and travel as needed.Coordinate event materials including invitations, registration management, attendee communications and briefings.Work with events, contracts and finance teams to ensure event payments/reimbursements are completed in a timely manner; manage and report on event budgets.Host and interact with guests of the Schaeffer Institute, including USC Trustees, Advisory Board members, and distinguished policy leaders.Stakeholder EngagementMaintain and improve the Institute's email marketing and contact databases (the Institute primarily uses Emma and Quorum), including updating contact details, maintaining lists and segments, and ensuring appropriate contacts are receiving the correctly targeted communications from the Institute.Research new audiences and stakeholders for events and research initiatives, develop engagement ideas for reaching these new audiences.Collaborate with the External Affairs team and research programs to coordinate email communications, including newsletters and eblasts; review materials for formatting, branding, and consistency; and assist with production and distribution as needed.Communications SupportAssist with the development and production of basic marketing materials, including eblasts, social media posts and graphics, and website content.Collaborate with Center for Civic Society leadership and scholars to prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials and other communications for funders, stakeholders and public audiences.Minimum Education: Bachelor's DegreeCombined experience/education as substitute for minimum educationMinimum Experience: 2 yearsMinimum Fields of Expertise:Excellent written and oral communication skillsStrong organizational skills; project management and event experience is a plusAbility to represent the Institute professionally while interacting with high-profile internal and external audiences.Collaborative, team-player attitude; ability to work collaboratively and independentlyDemonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously with attention to detail and a high level of excellence and professionalismFlexibility and tolerance for ambiguity; willingness to handle both complex and mundane mattersExcellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPointExperience with contact management and email distribution systems (i.e. Emma, Constant Contact, etc.)Preferred Education: Master's DegreePreferred Experience: 3 yearsCompensation: The hourly rate range for this position is $30.14- $38.71.

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.Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pmSubject to change based on event needs, which may include early mornings and evenings, and the occasional weekend.Required Documents: Cover letter Resume/CV