Administrative Assistant II

In order for your application to be considered, you must attach a cover letter and resume to your employment application.

Job Description

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.

Position Description

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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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. This is a one year fixed term (renewable) position on the Los Angeles University Park Campus with an on-site work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of administrative work experience. Graduate degrees encouraged and preferred.

• 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.

Compensation

The hourly rate range for this position is $26.59 – $32.02. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience in Brightspace, Zoom, and Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 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. A graduate degree is encouraged and preferred.

Minimum Experience

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

Minimum Field of Expertise

Administrative; Clerical/Secretarial

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.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This position may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended; applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

• 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; 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.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. 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, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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