Senior Director of Programs

The Senior Director of Programs of the USC Shoah Foundation is a key leadership position within the institute. The incumbent to this position will be responsible for overseeing and implementing all aspects of the institute's programs and initiatives related to Holocaust education, research, and commemoration. This role requires a deep understanding of Holocaust history, sensitivity to its impact, and a commitment to promoting academic excellence, dialogue, and public engagement in the field. A deep understanding of dynamics surrounding research on and the countering of antisemitism is encouraged, as is awareness of significant debates in pedagogy and public education (e.g., museums, cultural programming etc.). A strong background in project management is required to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate programs and initiatives. Similarly, an established track record of partnership with significant institutions, engagement with stakeholders at multiple levels, and success at fundraising for educational, research, or cultural programs is necessary.

The incumbent to this position will report to the Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation.

Responsibilities

Management

• Oversee divisional units focused on collections, Holocaust scholarship, Holocaust education, antisemitism research, and program management.

• Liaise closely with operations, advancement, marketing, and budgeting.

Strategic Planning and Program Development:

• In cooperation with the director of academic programs, develop and implement a strategic vision for a robust initiative/center focused on Holocaust scholarship that provides opportunities to scholars at multiple career stages through a variety of program outlets.

• In cooperation with the director of countering antisemitism programming, develop and implement a strategic vision for a center (working title: Countering Antisemitism Laboratory) focused on testimony-based and other approaches to antisemitism research, with a focus on scholars and journalists.

• In cooperation with the director of education, develop and implement a strategic vision for educational work at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

• Design and oversee a comprehensive range of educational, research, and public outreach programs that align with the institute's mission and objectives.

• Utilize project management methodologies to plan, execute, and evaluate programs, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.

• Collaborate with USC faculty across all 22 university schools to develop innovative programs, courses, and curricular related to Holocaust studies and antisemitism studies, ensuring academic rigor and relevance.

Research and Publication

• Encourage team members to produce occasional scholarly research on the Holocaust and related topics, producing high-quality publications, articles, and conference presentations.

• Work with applicable units to develop publication programs that disseminate the programmatic work of the USC Shoah Foundation.

• Apply project management practices to research activities, including defining research goals, managing data collection and analysis, and coordinating research teams if applicable.

External Partnerships and Fundraising

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external organizations, institutions, and donors interested in supporting the USC Shoah Foundation’s Core Purpose, mission and programs.

• Utilize project management techniques to coordinate fundraising initiatives, grant applications, and partnership collaborations, ensuring effective communication, deliverables, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Public Engagement and Outreach

• In cooperation with relevant divisions, organize and coordinate public lectures, symposiums, exhibitions, and other events that raise awareness about the Holocaust and antisemitism, including their historical, ethical, and social implications.

• Develop close partnerships with significant likeminded institutions in the US and abroad, at both the governmental and non-governmental levels.

• Working with the Marketing office, apply project management principles to event planning, including creating project plans, coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and ensuring successful execution and evaluation of events.

Administrative Oversight

• Provide leadership and supervision to staff members and volunteers engaged in programmatic activities.

• Apply project management skills to oversee program implementation, monitor progress, manage resources, and ensure timely completion of program objectives.

• Manage the institute's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and compliance with financial regulations.

• Monitor program outcomes and impact and prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• An MA, MS, PhD or DPhil in History, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field with a focus on the Holocaust.

• A record of scholarship and publication.

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience in program development and implementation, utilizing project management methodologies.

• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Sensitivity to the cultural and emotional dimensions of the Holocaust and the ability to navigate these issues with empathy and respect.

• Ability to travel at least 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in international fora.

• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Strong working knowledge of German, Hebrew, Polish, French, Ukrainian, or Russian.

• Advanced degree in a field relevant to research, education, and awareness of the Holocaust, genocide, and/or antisemitism.

• Management experience in a large school museum, non-governmental organization, or government structure.

• Thorough knowledge of management principles, fundraising, budget management, applicable laws/regulations, and the work of likeminded institutions.

• Proven record of fundraising, team leadership, strategic planning, and working collaboratively with colleagues and with external partners.

The Senior Director of Programs will play a pivotal role in advancing the work of the USC Shoah Foundation across multiple sectors. The successful candidate will have a strong background in project management, enabling effective planning, execution, and evaluation of programs and initiatives. They will also shape the intellectual and social impact of the institute and contribute to our mission to critical thinking, knowledge, and social responsibility among students, scholars, artists, journalists, and broader audiences.

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program's eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; free professional development online courses; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $204,000 – $225,000. 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. 

Minimum Education: Master's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 7 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field. Management experience in a large, multi-faceted school, corporate or hospital environment. Thorough knowledge of management principles, budgeting, finance, accounting and applicable laws/regulations.