Program Specialist

For your application to be considered, please attach a cover letter and resume to your employment application.

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy is a nonpartisan policy institute within the USC Price School of Public Policy. Founded by and named for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Institute bridges the gap between policy development and effective governance through practitioner experience, research, convenings, and public engagement. The Institute focuses on critical issues including political reform, clean energy, and bipartisan leadership, working to build a political environment where leaders put people before party.

Position Description

The USC Schwarzenegger Institute is seeking a Program Specialist to provide comprehensive operational and programmatic support across four core functional areas: event planning and execution, financial and administrative operations, policy research and project coordination, and external stakeholder engagement. This is a collaborative, detail-oriented role that offers meaningful exposure to public policy initiatives and Institute leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to impactful policy work.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, leading planning and execution of Institute events, including venue selection, vendor coordination, logistics, run-of-show development, and guest experience. The Program Specialist manages Institute financial operations in accordance with USC policies, including processing invoices and reimbursements, monitoring budgets, and facilitating procurement. The Program Specialist conducts policy research and analysis to inform Institute initiatives, develops briefings and talking points for senior staff, and monitors project deliverables and timelines across internal teams and external partners. The Program Specialist also drafts correspondence and communications on behalf of the Institute and senior staff, and represents the Institute at meetings and public engagements with government officials, partners, and external stakeholders.

The Program Specialist is expected to work effectively on multiple projects, establish priorities, and maintain schedules. This position serves as an integral member of the Institute team. Successful candidates must demonstrate flexibility in job responsibilities and a willingness to assist with new tasks as needed. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and strong organizational skills to manage sensitive policy, financial, and stakeholder-related information. The Program Specialist functions as a key member of the Institute's administrative and programmatic team in a deadline-driven, mission-focused environment.

This position reports to the Director of the Schwarzenegger Institute, is full-time, benefits eligible with a fully on-site work arrangement on the University Park Campus.

Key Responsibilities

Event Production and Management

• Lead planning and execution of Institute events, including venue selection, vendor coordination, logistics, run-of-show development, and guest experience.

• Collaborate with senior staff to shape event concepts and serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders throughout the planning process.

• Prepare and manage event presentation materials, including slide decks, digital content, and supporting media for programs and convenings.

• Track and analyze event participation and outcomes to support reporting requirements and alignment with sponsor expectations.

Financial and Administrative Operations

• Manage Institute financial operations in accordance with USC policies and systems, including processing invoices and reimbursements, monitoring budgets, and facilitating procurement.

• Oversee onboarding and payment of external vendors in alignment with USC business and procurement procedures.

• Serve as a liaison to USC administrative offices and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.

Policy and Project Support

• Conduct policy research and analysis to inform Institute initiatives, and develop briefings, memoranda, and talking points for senior staff.

• Monitor, track, and coordinate project deliverables and timelines across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and timely execution of key initiatives.

External Engagement

• Draft and edit correspondence and communications on behalf of the Institute and senior staff, ensuring consistency with institutional priorities and messaging.

• Represent the Institute at meetings and public engagements with government officials, partners, and external stakeholders.

• Help strategize, produce, and publish social media posts and responses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, international relations, business administration, or a related field.

• General knowledge of government structures and the public policy landscape.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.

• Experience supporting administrative, financial, or operational functions.

• Experience assisting with event coordination or program support.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with USC systems and administrative processes.

• Knowledge of Governor Schwarzenegger's policy priorities and initiatives.

Travel

Regular travel within greater Los Angeles; occasional domestic and international travel in support of Institute initiatives and Governor Schwarzenegger's public policy commitments. Must possess a valid passport for domestic and international travel.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $32.43 - $35.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education, and training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, and external market and organizational considerations.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Work Arrangement

This is a fully on-site work arrangement on the University Park Campus.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience with Zoom, Canva, and Microsoft 365. Proven financial budgeting, project management, and problem solving skills. Ability to manage multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree. Combined experience and education may be used to substitute for minimum education requirements.

Minimum Experience

Two years. Combined education and experience may be used to substitute for the minimum experience requirement.

Minimum Field of Expertise

Public Policy; Political Science; Public Administration, Administrative

Required Documents and Additional Information

• A resume and cover letter are required (may be uploaded as one file). Applications submitted without these documents will not be considered.

USC offers excellent benefits, including 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; free professional development classes; a central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses, and free tram pickup services; and discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance

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, with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy, Appendix D, for specific employment screen implications related to this position.