Research Program Administrator

Program Administrator

VanEck Digital Assets Initiative

USC Marshall School of Business

The USC Marshall School of Business is seeking a Program Administrator to support and advance the VanEck Digital Assets Initiative (VEDA). A forward-looking academic and industry hub dedicated to exploring blockchain technology, digital assets (including cryptocurrencies and NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi), and related emerging technologies.

About VEDA:

The USC Marshall VanEck Digital Assets Initiative (VEDA) serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering innovation, education, and engagement in rapidly evolving digital asset markets. Through signature programs such as the VanEck Southern California Blockchain Conference, high-impact events, new course development, community engagement, and collaboration with industry leaders, VEDA prepares students to lead in the future of decentralized technologies. The Van Eck Digital Asset Initiative enables:

• The creation of cutting-edge courses in cryptocurrencies, NFTS, smart contract platforms and other digital assets for both undergraduate and graduate students.

• Uniting academic experts and industry leaders to explore, analyze and begin to define the theory and practice of digital asset markets and technologies.

• Attracting and educating student entrepreneurs to leverage digital asset opportunities while appreciating the market risks and regulatory controls affecting the sector.

The Program Administrator will play a critical role in managing the operational, financial, and programmatic functions of VEDA. This position requires an integrated, results-driven administrative approach, with responsibility for planning major events, managing budgets, supporting strategic initiatives, and serving as a visible representative of the initiative. The ideal candidate will bring strong operational judgment, analytical skills, and the ability to document, present, and continuously improve processes in a dynamic and emerging field.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Create plan and manage annual conferences supporting the Van Eck Digital Assets Initiative 

• Plan and track budget along with managing procurement of all activities related to the Digital Asset Initiative

• Research and understand the forefront the rapidly evolving digital asset markets and decentralized technologies

• Act as the public face of VEDA, managing public relations and brand image, and create annual reports on VEDA outreach and activities

• Maintain and expand Web and Social Media presence of the Van Eck Digital Assets Initiative

• Research and implement best practices utilized at leading Digital Assets Initiatives at our peer universities

• Recommending potential future USC courses that emphasize Digital Assets education based on inputs from leading practitioners, scholars, and students 

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in operations, finance, marketing, financial analysis, or a related field

• Experience creating analytical and financial reports and identifying trends and opportunities for improvement

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and support teams or stakeholders (entry-level people management experience preferred)

• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills

• Experience documenting, evaluating, and improving operational processes

• Interest in or familiarity with digital assets, blockchain technology, and emerging financial technologies

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• The salary range for this position is $114,863.53 - $134,076.40 - $152,753.56. 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information

• Resume and cover letter required; these may be uploaded as one file. Please do not submit your application without these documents.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.

• USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Why join the USC Marshall School of Business?

The USC Marshall School of Business is ideally positioned to address the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment and is ranked as one of the country’s top schools for accounting, finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship and international business studies.

USC Marshall builds on the unique opportunities that stem from its Los Angeles location on the Pacific Rim, its interdisciplinary and impactful research, the momentum generated by the University of Southern California, and the unparalleled engagement of the Trojan Alumni Family. With ready access to industries defining the new business frontier, including bio-technology, life sciences, media, entertainment, communications and healthcare, this vast network offers USC Marshall graduates exceptionally strong support for success in the global marketplace.

For more information on the USC Marshall School of Business, visit: www.marshall.usc.edu.

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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: