Project Specialist - Administrative

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

The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate is seeking a Project Specialist – Administrative to support a portfolio of executive education, research, and center-wide initiatives, including Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC). This position plays a key role in ensuring the successful execution of the Ross Program in Real Estate, advancing operations and community engagement across NDSC and other strategic initiatives, and supporting marketing and communications for the Lusk Center. Launched in October 2017, NDSC is a free, publicly available online resource that helps civic actors understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing Los Angeles County neighborhoods — using maps, charts, data analysis, and storytelling to help community stakeholders track measurable change, improve local policies and programs, and advocate for a better quality of life in their communities. This is a full-time, one year fixed term position with a hybrid work arrangement.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in real estate, public policy, higher education, or nonprofit management.

Responsibilities

Executive Education – Ross Program (50%)

• Assist in the day-to-day administration and coordination of the Ross Program in Real Estate executive education program.

• Coordinate program planning, logistics, schedules, and participant communications.

• Develop and maintain project timelines, materials, and operational processes.

• Support program delivery, including on-site event coordination and faculty engagement.

• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to the participant experience and program operations.

• During the Ross Program sessions, fully on-site attendance will be required.

Operations & Community Engagement (25%):

• Coordinate operations across NDSC, the State of Los Angeles County Housing and Neighborhoods (SOLACHAN) report, and the Ross Program.

• Manage internal workflows, documentation, and project tracking.

• Support community outreach and engagement, including maintaining relationships with community partners, tracking partner communications, and coordinating outreach activities.

• Coordinate meetings and follow-up with internal and external partners.

Marketing & Communications (25%)

• Coordinate marketing and communications for the Lusk Center, including newsletters, website content, social media, and promotional materials.

• Support communications for programs, events, publications, and fundraising initiatives.

• Develop and maintain marketing collateral and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or combined experience and education in lieu of the degree requirement.

• 2+ years of directly related project or administrative experience.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with executive education, event planning, or program administration.

• Interest in real estate, urban policy, economic development, or higher education.

• Experience with community outreach, partner engagement, or stakeholder relations.

Compensation

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.14 - $34.04. 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.

Additional Requirements

This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement, with occasional full-time, in-person requirement. This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime. In the event of an emergency, the employee is required to report to duty in accordance with the university's Emergency Operations Plan and/or the department's emergency response plans. This position also qualifies as a mandated reporter under state law and USC policy (https://policy.usc.edu/mandated-reporters/). This is a 12-month (renewable) fixed term position.

Why Join the Lusk Center?

This role offers the opportunity to work across executive education, applied research, community engagement, and communications while collaborating with faculty, industry leaders, policymakers, and community partners. The position provides broad exposure to many aspects of the Center's work and is well suited for someone interested in building expertise across higher education, real estate, or mission-driven organizations.

The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. USC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

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

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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