Project Manager, Workforce Development - CA DREAMS

USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the university’s Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in the research and development of advanced artificial intelligence, information processing, computing, cybersecurity, and communications technologies. ISI’s 350 faculty, professional staff and graduate students carry out extraordinary information sciences research at three distinct locations - Marina Del Rey, CA; Arlington, VA; and Waltham, MA.

*This position is located in Marina del Rey (MdR), CA and is hybrid in nature.  The incumbent should be prepared to come into the MdR office, as business needs dictate.*

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Understands how projects/programs facilitate department goals.
• Is the point person to manage multiple projects in various stages of their lifecycles.
• Liaises between the various stakeholders and the Vice Dean for Transformative Initiatives.
• Defines and gains alignment on project success criteria and business benefits.
• Conducts performance management analysis to evaluate investment outcomes.
• Assists a project team in managing all phases of large project grants and any subcontracts.
• Provides leadership and direction for day-to-day project operations and administrative activities. Participates in the planning, design and development of project protocols.
• Articulates vision/roadmap to diverse groups.
• Attends/leads regular status meetings.
• Socializes key messages to project leadership.
• Delivers customized project reports using Asana dashboards and Google Suite.
• Manages expectations through building and presenting business cases and risk assessments.
• Diagnoses project/program challenges with objectivity; designs rational solutions in response.
• Identifies and triages project risks; escalates to leadership as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in managing multiple projects.No preference of project management methodology
• Excellent verbal and written communications experience and the ability to speak with varying levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Previous experience in a project management software (i.e. Asana, Monday.com, MS Project)
• Experience in creating and managing budgets
• Possess a high level of attention to detail and impeccable follow-through skills
• Strong facilitation skills to energize/motivate staff with a mindset of continuous improvement
• Experience using Google Suite 
• Proven experience with getting up to speed with various software packages
• Knowledge of Wordpress is highly desirable
• Helps to develop and manage project budgets and financial reports. Directs ongoing purchasing activities including authorizations of one-time major purchases.
• Works to onboard new vendors/suppliers
• Oversees the full cycle process of meetings (including, but not limited to: coordinating times, sending out agendas and meeting minute communications)

The annual base salary range for this position is $104,529 - $123,015. 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.

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

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Skills: Bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, communications or another related field. Five years’ experience in project management and business administration. Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent projects and lead mid-sized projects (e.g., identifying potential process improvements). Exceptional critical thinking and organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize. Excellent written and oral communications skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Project, Visio). Experience with project portfolio management tools.