Career Center

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 400 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.

ISI is currently looking for an Events Manager that can manage, plan and execute a myriad of different types of events for the institute within a given academic year.  The incumbent will be a member of a highly collaborative team of administrative support staff and will work with key stakeholders.

*This position is in Marina del Rey, CA. Hybrid work options are available.*

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Creates vision, process and framework to support a wide variety of events and activities for dynamic and growing institute of 400 researchers, students, and staff.
• Plans and manages the end-to-end operations of top-notch events for the institute.  This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Visits by Potential Donors, Key Stakeholders, University/Viterbi Leadership and other important members of the ISI and USC Communities
  • Multi-day Technical Review meetings with Government Sponors
  • Ad hoc gatherings of both internal and external teams
  • Recurring seminars given by institute visitors and staff
  • Press conferences
  • Leadership and Divisional Retreats
  • Galas and Holiday Parties
• Perform research within local markets and other niches to develop event execution strategies and offerings, gather and compare vendor quotes
• Ensures events and activities are executed effectively from thought to finish
• Serve as the main point of contact between the institute and its vendors
• Create Purchase Orders and approve invoices for payment
• Oversee budgets for each event and maintains accurate record keeping of previous events.
• Work with our Communications team to promote events via email, social media, web brochures, and local and national press
• Meet regularly with institute senior leadership to strategize on event offerings and public engagement
• Create after action reports and recommendations
• Collect, analyze and maintain data on events
• Schedule, manage and oversee students workers and volunteers to ensure proper staffing levels on a day-to-day basis
• Collaborate with ISI administrative, facility and IT staff involved with event coordination
• Ensure that all events are compliant with the Americans with Disability Act requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related area OR
• Combined experience/education for minimum education

Minimum Experience

• 5 years of event planning and scheduling experience
• Proven success overseeing large scale academic events
• Create and maintain relationships with individuals from all levels of the university and externally
• Project manage a diverse slate of various types of events
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of software programs
• Experience and expertise with Virtual meeting platforms (Zoom,Webex, Teams)
• Proven experience creating and maintaining project timelines and budgets
• Ability to review and understand event planning contracts 
• Ability to be resourceful, agile and execute under pressure
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to exert diplomacy and tact
• Ability to manage a variety of different constituents (i.e. wait staff, student workers, security, etc.)

Preferred Education

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Software like: 
  • Sharepoint, Microsoft Teams, the Adobe Suite of Programs
  • Survey Websites like Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, etc.
• Possesses an established directory of vendors and venues that can provide excellent work products for ISI’s constituents
• Knowledge of more than one language 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Willingness to travel for off campus events
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs

The annual base salary range for this position is $82,097 - $95,000. 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.

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

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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