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About the Schaeffer Center

The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics is one of the nation’s premier health policy research centers. Housed jointly in the School of Pharmacy and Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC), its mission is to measurably improve value in health care through evidence-based policy solutions, research excellence, and private and public sector engagement. A communications team supports a sophisticated dissemination strategy to ensure Schaeffer Center research informs health policy. In addition to assisting in the publication of policy-relevant, peer-reviewed journals, the team produces white papers, issue briefs, opinion pieces, e-newsletters, and creative data visualizations and graphics. Center experts are frequently cited by the media, White House, Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Federal Reserve Board, and other agencies. A diverse staff of 40+ work alongside 60+ fellows to ensure the Center’s activities are rigorous, independent, and policy-relevant. This includes research staff (directors, administrators, and specialists), a finance team, and media and communications experts. The Center also supports a microsimulation group and a programmer core with access to models, methods, and an extensive data library.

Position Description

The Schaeffer Center and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is seeking an Associate Director, Public Affairs to manage and implement the Center’s public policy strategy under the direction of the Director, Public Policy. This is a full-time, three year fixed-term (renewable), hybrid work arrangement position.

Additional duties include (but are not limited to) coordinating and implementing policy engagement and impact; directing and developing research translation and dissemination, including overseeing communication to policymakers and targeting policymakers and agency heads with research findings; collaborating with USC and Schaeffer Center leadership and faculty as well as communications, research and development teams; manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders; directing and tracking metrics of impact and success; and collaborating and contributing to the annual strategic planning process.

The Associate Director, Public Affairs will be an integral member of the Schaeffer Center’s External Affairs/Public Affairs team. This position reports to the Director, Public Policy.

Three years of relevant policy experience is required. Five years of experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree.

• The candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills.

• This is a full-time position that requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to balance numerous projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Field of expertise: project management and operation; public policy; research translation; communications

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $107,492 - $140,000. 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.

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

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Related experience with specialized research and/or programs (e.g., counseling, teaching). Ability to analyze and evaluate data, and present findings. Excellent interpersonal and written and oral communication skills, able to problem solve and lead conflict resolutions. Ability to interpret and apply policies/analyses/trends.