Job Abstract

The K-12 STEM Center at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering invites interested applicants to apply for the role of GRASSROOTS Student Case Manager. This is a unique, fixed-term opportunity aimed at dedicated professionals passionate about making a significant difference in the lives of LA Metro MESA College Prep seniors. The initial term for this position is 9 months, with the possibility of an extension subject to future funding.  

As a key component of our commitment to supporting academic excellence and removing barriers to success, the selected candidate will play a pivotal role in empowering students from universities and community colleges across the greater Los Angeles area. The Case Manager will support LA Metro MESA College Prep seniors at universities and community colleges in the greater Los Angeles area to overcome numerous obstacles to persistence including but not limited to: financial issues (not just school), navigating the college system, family issues, academic preparation, challenges regarding a sense of belonging, under matching in financial aid, as well as issues pertaining to transportation, housing, and social capital.  

Primary Responsibilities Include: 

• Identifying resources to assist students with overcoming obstacles 

• Meeting regularly with students in-person and remotely to check in, determine if assistance is needed 

• Planning, implementing and coordinating community building and belonging activities at the USC Campus and at school sites 

• Partnering with MESA College Prep and MESA University Programs at USC, CSULA, CSULB, and UCLA to identify and support MESA seniors and MESA 1st year university students (freshmen and transfer students) 

• Work with Google Community AI Interns to develop AI chatbot that provides information about resources to students. 

• Supervise student workers and volunteers 

• Compliance with USC Youth Protection requirements 

• Documentation of activities including data collection, photos, and testimonies 

• Providing budgeting plans for programs and activities 

• Assessment and evaluation of programs and activities 

• Providing input on web and social media outreach for MESA programs 

• Assist with and provide support to other STEM Center programs as needed 

Job duties may be added or modified as needed.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the mission of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Viterbi staff are expected to facilitate a culture of support and service, to model civility and respectful engagement at all times, and to maintain the highest ethical standards and to maintain strict confidentiality across all facets of their work.  

Additional Information 

Fixed-Term Employment:? Employees hired under a fixed-term agreement acknowledge that the university may change the expected end date at any time by providing a one (1) month written notification. Your employment may also end for other reasons consistent with university policy. According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under a fixed term agreement. When you leave, your final paycheck will include pay for days worked, and for accrued and unused vacation. The university does not pay for accrued and unused sick days upon termination. 

Job Modality: This is hybrid position. The Program Coordinator will be expected to work onsite for 4 days per week and attend all on-campus programs and events relevant to their position. This position is not eligible for fully remote work 

Salary Range:? The salary range for this grant-funded position is $65,827.38 - $73,752.60. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of 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. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in education 

• 5 years of experience in education leadership 

• 5 years of experience in a supervisory role 

• CA Teaching credential 

• Ability to model, coach and provide feedback to adult/young adult learners to improve teaching, learning, and engagement.? 

• Ability to evaluate and improve effectiveness of program strategy, schedules, activities, etc. and provide pro-active reports of progress to ensure achievement of project goals and objectives in conjunction with Center managers. 

• Excellent communication skills including writing and public speaking on Zoom and in person for a wide variety of stakeholders, including potential donors, school district administrators, etc. 

• Excellent team player who works collaboratively with others and can work independently with minimal supervision.? 

• Proficiency with all of MS Office Suite and general office procedures 

Required Applicant Documents: 

A resume/CV and a cover letter are required. Please feel free to upload your application materials in a single document.  

USC and the Viterbi School: 

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is. 

Founded in 1905, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is named for Andrew Viterbi who developed an algorithm to connect the world’s citizens. Similarly, the school, located in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international business in the heart of the Pacific Rim, is a hub for entrepreneurship that connects students from 64 countries. 

USC Viterbi is a pioneer in restoring sight to the blind; restoring memory to sufferers of Alzheimer’s; and socially assistive robots to aid seniors with stroke or children with autism. It is the home of the first operational quantum computing center in academia. Our alumni include Neil Armstrong, first human on the moon; A.C. Mike Markkula, co-founder of Apple; and Wanda Austin, former CEO of the Aerospace Corporation. 

The USC Viterbi School is consistently ranked among the top graduate programs (U.S. News and World Report). Under the leadership of Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, the school helped re-imagine the 21st century engineer, pioneering the Grand Challenge Scholars Program in schools across the globe. Our mission is to serve California, the nation and the world. At USC Viterbi, we call this the enabling power of Engineering+.