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The METRANS Transportation Center in the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy seeks a qualified Project Administrator. This position is a one-year, fixed-term, 75% FTE benefits-eligible position. The position may be renewable after the first year.  The successful candidate will serve as project manager for research and planning in support of the project. Project activities include surveys of literature and best practices, development, analysis, and writing project memos and reports. The project manager will serve as liaison with project sponsors (LA Metro, AQMD, Volvo).

The Project Administrator assists a principal investigator in administering all phases of a large project grant and any subcontracts; administers project operations and functions such as planning design and development of project protocols, data acquisition and management, analysis and reporting of study results; contributes to the design of research protocols; experience with local and state transportation planning and project implementation; may oversee staff, students, volunteers, agency workers and/or resource employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to the design of research protocols. Evaluates, recommends and implements procedures for data acquisition, management and quality control. Evaluates and recommends statistical methods for data analysis and monitors and interprets results of analysis. Prepares technical reports and papers on study plans, progress and results of research activities.
• Provides leadership and guidance to staff, students workers, volunteers, graduate students, outside consultants, and/or other constituencies, as assigned.
• Assists a principal investigator with formulating research objectives. Administers planning, organization and scheduling activities to meet objectives.
• Develops and implements operating policies, procedures and systems to support planned operations. Ensures these are well documented and communicated to project personnel and/or other parties.
• Develops and administers project budgets. Authorizes expenditures and monitors account reconciliation and status to ensure compliance with fiscal guidelines and regulations. Prepares the preparation of financial reports as required.  Administers ongoing purchasing activities.
• Develops and administers project-focused training and assesses proficiency or readiness of trainees. Responds to questions regarding data collection, coding, and management and analysis methods.
• Plans, develops and implements public relations strategies. Responds to external requests for information. Develops press releases, newsletters, articles and other types of communications pieces. Plans and participates in meetings, discussion groups and other types of events to promote project visibility. Lectures on behalf of the project.
• Coordinates and/or links project operations with other administrative and research functions on and off campus. Serves as a key resource for project information and resolves problems or questions referred by internal and external sources.
• Stays informed of developments in the field.  Reads pertinent literature, attends meeting and participates in professional associations as appropriate.  Establishes an active network of professional contacts. Remains informed of the current status of completed and ongoing research in related areas.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.  The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in related field
• Two years’ experience in research administration

The Sol Price School of Public Policy, ranked 2nd nationwide among 282 schools of public affairs, is growing exponentially by expanding its degree offerings, investing in additional faculty, breaking records in research funding, fostering an ever-growing interdisciplinary research slate, while further extending its real-world impact in local and global communities.  Price faculty, students, alumni, and staff care deeply about improving the quality of life for people and their communities.  It is a strong value echoed by faculty research agendas and involvement at decision-making tables, the career aims of our student body, and the extraordinary achievements of our alumni.

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