Public Exchange Project Manager, Health & Well-being

About the Role

USC Dornsife Public Exchange is reimagining how research serves the public. The Public Exchange fast‑tracks collaborations between academic researchers and partners across the public and private sectors. The Project Manager (PM) will support the Health & Well‑being Practice, working closely with the Practice Director, Strategy & Operations Team, and university partners to develop and execute projects that address public health challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop project strategies and scopes of work in consultation with faculty, research partners, partner organizations, and the Public Exchange strategy & operations team to execute projects for maximum social impact.
• Develop long‑ and short‑term project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Manage day‑to‑day workflow of the project portfolio and support research teams to execute against the project plans.
• Lead all project kick‑off, routine partner and research team meetings, and final presentation meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with all project partners, research team members, and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project partners, ensuring they remain updated on progress and that deliverables exceed expectations.
• Operate with attention to risk management, information security, contractual compliance, with a keen eye for potential pitfalls or emerging risks.
• Work with Public Exchange’s operations team to manage project finances, ensuring timely transfer of funds to research team members and payment of direct research expenses.
• Lead project communications, coordinating with Public Exchange Communications Manager and university and partner communications teams, including developing presentation decks, messaging, press releases, web and social media content, videos, and other materials.
• Continuously seek strategic opportunities to build on project work, deliver for partners, and increase project impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, social sciences, environmental studies, or related fields.
• 3–5 years of experience leading multi‑stakeholder, cross‑functional projects.
• Recent work experience within a company, non‑profit, university, or government agency designing products, policies, or programs related to health or well‑being issues.
• Track record of creative problem‑solving and being solution‑driven.
• Demonstrated capacity to quickly understand and synthesize complex ideas and concepts.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to communicate clearly in writing.
• Aptitude for learning and using tools that keep our hybrid team working as one unit: Google Workspace, Asana, Slack, Canva, etc.
• Experience supporting primary or academic research projects is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years combined education and experience in project administration.
• Minimum of 3 years experience managing grants or contracts.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to resolve conflicts.

Compensation and Location

Annual base salary range: $83,000 – $87,000. The position is funded on gift accounts. Location: Hybrid, L.A.–based; approximately 80% remote. Applicants outside of Los Angeles but open to relocation within three months are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

Resume and cover letter required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 and considers all qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.