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Academic Program Assistant

Job Description


The Department of Political Science and International Relations within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences is seeking applicants for a Graduate Program Assistant position. This position will serve an average of 75 students annually in the department’s PhD program. The USC Dornsife Political Science and International Relations PhD program is one of the crown jewels of the department, and has been in existence for over 20 years. It has placed students around the world in a variety of tenure-track, teaching track, and other postdoctoral opportunities and continues to produce outstanding young scholars of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. This position will primarily service students in the Department’s PhD program, however the department is exploring plans to implement MS programs over the next five years.

We seek highly motivated candidates with strong communication, project coordination and organizational experience, as well as a genuine interest in working with students, staff and faculty involved in graduate education. The Graduate Program Assistant will work directly with the POIR Graduate Advisor and join a team of 10 staff in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. They must have the ability to work in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment, as well as be flexible in the face of changing priorities and fluctuating workloads.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Receiving, organizing, and distributing materials to faculty during the admissions and recruitment process
  • Serving as the point of contact for general program inquiries, for current and prospective students
  • Serving as communication liaison with participating faculty, staff, and students about program events and activities
  • Assisting in the maintenance of web and social media presence for the PhD program
  • Collaborating with external graduate program offices to obtain information regarding financial aid, fellowships, and career services for students
  • Coordinating event logistics and travel accommodations for our successful POIR Pre-Doctoral Institute for First Generation and Diverse Students, which occurs each summer
  • Tracking student progress according to program, Dornsife, and university policies and deadlines
  • Assisting where requested with course scheduling, teaching assistant assignments, and other program-related activities.
  • Other duties as assigned by the POIR Graduate Advisor

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:      Master's degree  

Experience:     5 years of experience in program administration

Expertise:        Directly related project, program, and administrative experience. Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills.  Strong event and time management skills.  Experience working with international students and first-generation students a plus.

Hourly range: The hourly rate range for this position is $26.19 - $30.08. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

  • Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
  • USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after six months of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

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

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.


Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education. Minimum Experience: 0-6 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders. Demonstrated attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.

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