Job Abstract

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepares students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff manages the administrative, operational and/or financial affairs of the Dean’s Office at USC Gould School of Law and represents that office to other University officers and campus officials. As a strategist, consultant and implementer, the successful candidate will ensure streamlined personnel and academic activities within the organization based on the priorities set forth by the Dean. The Chief of Staff serves as a senior advisor to the Dean on significant and sensitive issues and is responsible for working strategically and collaborating cross-functionally to provide project leadership to and on behalf of the Dean. The Chief of Staff reviews and analyzes internal and external communications and responses of the Dean’s Office; gathers information relative to such matters, identifies issues and concerns impacting the College; and assists with the preparation and/or review of oral or written presentations or briefings, speeches, testimony, or interview responses for the Dean. The Chief of Staff serves as an enthusiastic and informed ambassador for initiatives central to USC’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and efficiency.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Acts as an adviser to the Dean and the senior management team

• Ensures effective crisis management. Evaluates immediate course of action and addresses the Gould community with response that minimizes damage/risk and restores calm and direction

• Partner with the Dean to develop and implement long-range strategic priorities

• Track progress on institutional goals and support alignment across departments

• Assist the Dean in facilitating effective decision-making

• Assess inquiries directed to the Dean, determine the proper course of action and delegate to the appropriate individual to manage

• Lead or support major cross-functional projects and initiatives on behalf of the Dean

• Ensure all staff issues are addressed properly, efficiently and judiciously, and keep track of progress until resolved

• Oversees the planning of committee meetings, focus groups, etc. Serves on different groups (i.e. Councils, committees, or task forces) to coordinate activities and facilitate goals and initiatives

• Has responsibility for planning and directing staff, budget administration, space allocation and design, equipment, workflow and operational philosophy.

• Serves as primary contact for overall external coordination of activities with offices or officers and senior management, university Board of Trustees, political and civic leaders, major donors, other public and private contacts, etc. Oversees the planning of events and special projects

• Manage the Dean’s schedule, priorities, and briefings to ensure effective use of time

• Will assist with both final exam administration and proctoring at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters and commencement each year.

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Education or a related field required; J.D. strongly preferred  

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in executive leadership, strategic planning, or administration, preferably in higher education or a legal environment

• Impeccable managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Visionary thinker

• Proven track record of effectively interacting with senior management or performing project management duties in the education field

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments

• Effective, versatile and action-oriented

• Excellent public relations and communication skills/experience

• Proven record of personnel and budget administration

• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and leadership presence

ATTENTION: Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position. This position is expected to be fixed-term for 6 months with the possibility for extension dependent on business needs.

The annual base salary range for this position is $157,443.69 – 175,000.00. 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, and external market and organizational considerations.

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

The Gould School of Law (Gould) considers candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values. Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

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 uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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