Project Specialist

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Established in 2022, the USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication (CCJC) empowers journalists, students, and communication professionals to tell impactful, accurate, and engaging stories about climate change. The center advances its mission by amplifying science, elevating community voices, and equipping communicators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage diverse audiences. Leveraging USC’s expertise in academic scholarship, research, and professional training, the center develops customized educational programs and resources for news organizations and communication professionals, with a distinct focus on strengthening climate communication through evidence-based training and practical application.

Position Description

The USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication (CCJC) seeks a Project Specialist to play a key role in supporting the Center's programs, research initiatives, events, partnerships, and community engagement efforts. The Project Specialist will lead the planning, management, and expansion of the Center's professional training portfolio, including oversight of the Climate Communication Certificate Program and a range of workshops, strategic partnerships, and customized training offerings.

The Project Specialist will serve as an integral member of a deadline-driven, mission-focused team. Successful candidates must demonstrate flexibility in job responsibilities and a willingness to assist with new tasks as needed. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and strong organizational skills to manage sensitive policy, financial, and stakeholder-related information.

This full-time, benefits-eligible position reports to the Director of the USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication and works closely with the Program Administrator to support the Center's strategic priorities, daily operations, and continued growth. This role requires a collaborative approach to advancing the Center's mission while contributing to a strong, team-oriented work environment.

Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures and administrative workflows.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also exercising sound judgment and initiative independently.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities and ambiguity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Canva.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

Training and Project Support

• Lead the coordination and administrative management of the Center's professional training initiatives, including the Certificate in Sustainability Communication program and Climate Stories Lab. Oversee and manage participant recruitment and onboarding, scheduling, guest lecturer coordination, program logistics, participant communications, post-program activities, publication of participant projects, development of program materials, and evaluation of participant feedback to ensure high-quality program delivery and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and schedule customized media training programs for USC and external partners, including scheduling trainer, reserving Media Center facilities, coordinating with Media Center staff, and ensuring participants receive training materials and session recordings.
• Support staff and research assistants in developing research projects and guides for the Center, especially the annual Temperature Check report, by leading the development of the report, assisting data collection and outreach, and getting content ready for publication.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform Center initiatives, and develop briefings, memoranda, and talking points for senior staff.
• Monitor, track, and coordinate project deliverables and timelines across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and timely execution of key initiatives.
• Support the financial and administrative operations of the Center's training programs and projects in accordance with USC policies and procedures, including processing invoices and reimbursements, monitoring program budgets, facilitating procurement, onboarding and processing payments for external vendors, and serving as a liaison to university administrative offices.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested in support of the Center's operations, including participation in Center-wide events, programs, and special initiatives.

Compensation

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.00 - $ 31.03. 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 Information:

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.

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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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Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Preferred Education: Master's Degree Preferred Experience: 3 years Preferred Expertise: Experience or coursework in communication, journalism, environmental studies, public policy, education, social sciences, or a related field required. Experience or demonstrated interest in climate communication, environmental issues or public engagement is preferred.