Project Manager - Networking & Cybersecurity

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.

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

ISI's Networking & CyberSecurity Division is looking for a Program Manager to support the work on multiple projects. The project manager assists a principal investigator in managing all phases of large project grants and any subcontracts. Provides leadership and direction for day-to-day project operations and administrative activities. Participates in the planning, design, and development of project protocols, data acquisition and management, analysis and reporting of study results.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Understands how projects/programs facilitate department goals. Defines and gains alignment on project success criteria and business benefits. Conducts performance management analysis (e.g., coordinated projects audits/reviews) to evaluate investment outcomes (e.g., cost, schedule, performance).
• Articulates vision/roadmap to diverse groups (e.g., project teams, stakeholders). Attends/leads regular status meetings (e.g., to monitor project updates, gather change requests, communicate risks/issues across project teams). Socializes key messages to project leadership. Delivers customized project/portfolio reports (e.g., progress and performance of initiatives) to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Manages expectations through building and presenting business cases and risk assessments. Develops key performance indicators in partnership with stakeholders; closely tracks metrics to evaluate realized benefits. Diagnoses project/program challenges with objectivity, designs rational solutions in response. Identifies and triages project risks; escalates to leadership as appropriate.
• Provides insights to influence development of future strategic roadmaps. Demonstrates alignment to university's strategic plan. Maintains currency with industry knowledge and new project/program management methodologies, frameworks, tools, and technologies.
• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
• Develops and manages project budgets. Authorizes expenditures and monitors account reconciliation and status to ensure compliance with fiscal guidelines and regulations. Prepares and/or directs the preparation of financial reports as required. Directs ongoing purchasing activities including authorization of one-time major purchases.
• Identifies funding sources and opportunities. Interfaces with funding agencies to exchange information regarding project status and to build and maintain rapport to enhance opportunities for additional funding. Manages proposal development with technical team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Project Management
• Management experience: Previous project management experience in a research and development environment
• Experience working with federally sponsored projects
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Background in a technical field

The annual base salary range for this position is $104,528 - $120,000. 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.

This position is funded by acontract or grant and may be funded by a subsequentcontract or grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent[contract/grant]to continue employment. In the event (a) funding for your position changes and it becomes necessary to adjust your percentage of effort; (b) or it becomes necessary for your employment with the University of Southern California to end, you will receive one (1) month written notification of termination.

According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under acontract or grant. 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.

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

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Minimum Experience:
5 years
Minimum Skills:
Bachelor's degree in business, psychology, communications or another related field.
Five years' experience in project management and business administration.
Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent projects and lead mid-sized projects (e.g., identifying potential process improvements).
Exceptional critical thinking and organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize.
Excellent written and oral communications skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Project, Visio).
Experience with project portfolio management tools.
Preferred Education:
Master's degree
Preferred Experience:
7 years
Preferred Skills:
Certified Associate in Project Management, Project Management Professional, Prosci and/or similar certifications.
Experience in higher education or finance.
Excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building abilities.
Knowledge of process mapping (e.g., tools, techniques, concepts).
Demonstrated data-driven mindset and instinct for extracting insights from metrics to generate informed decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with senior leadership.
Experience in leadership and people-building roles.