Program Manager - AI for Business (BUAI)

The Department of Data Sciences and Operations (DSO) at the USC Marshall School of Business is seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to lead and expand co-curricular programming within the AI for Business (BUAI) Program Administration, a fully gift-funded initiative for five years. DSO equips students with quantitative and analytical skills essential for success in today's data-driven business environment. The department's over 50 faculty members specialize in information systems, operations management, and statistics, offering courses that cover emerging technologies, digital transformation, and data analytics.

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business (BUAI) is a joint undergraduate degree program offered by the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Launched in Fall 2023, this innovative program combines business education with AI-focused engineering coursework to prepare students for leadership roles in the tech-driven business landscape. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes core business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, and strategy, alongside AI-related subjects like machine learning, human interaction, and robotics. The program also emphasizes integrative courses that provide a larger context for making business decisions in the AI age, covering topics like digital transformation, AI and smart contracts, and technology strategy. Graduates of the BUAI program are equipped to leverage AI within organizations, conceptualize new AI-driven products and services, and understand the ethical considerations associated with AI technologies.

Position Information

The Program Manager will support the AI for Business (BUAI) Program, overseeing and expanding co-curricular programs focused on AI, data science, and technology career development, providing students with hands-on career advisement and leadership training. This role will work closely with faculty, corporate partners, and alumni to enhance student placement in competitive AI and data-centric roles across industries, including data science, AI program management, and technical consulting. Additionally, the incumbent will develop and coordinate career programming, such as skill-building workshops, career treks, networking events, and industry collaborations to ensure students are well-prepared for their careers. The Program Manager will also lead outreach efforts, strengthening partnerships between students, faculty, and employers in the AI and data science space. This position is essential to strengthening USC Marshall’s commitment to bridging AI education with industry needs and positioning students for long-term success in the evolving tech landscape.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Understand the AI and Tech Landscape – Stay informed on trends in AI, machine learning, data science, and tech hiring to ensure students are prepared for evolving industry demands.
• Develop and Maintain Industry Partnerships – Build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners, recruiters, and alumni to expand internship opportunities and full-time job placements.
• Source Real-World Projects for Students – Collaborate with industry leaders to bring real business projects into the classroom, providing students with hands-on experience before graduation.
• Career Coaching and Job Readiness – Guide students in identifying career paths, preparing applications, managing deadlines, and developing key skills needed to secure jobs in AI and tech.
• Organize Career Preparation Programs – Plan and execute skill-building workshops, career treks, networking events, and industry panels to enhance career placement outcomes.
• Collaborate with Faculty and Student Organizations – Work closely with academic leadership, student clubs, and career services to align career programming with industry needs and student goals.
• Represent BUAI at Conferences and Industry Events – Travel locally and nationally to promote the program, develop new partnerships, and stay connected with industry leaders.
• Track and Assess Career Outcomes – Monitor student job placement metrics, internship success, and industry engagement to continuously improve career programming and employer relationships.
• Enhance BUAI’s Industry Presence – Act as a key ambassador for BUAI, ensuring the program is recognized as a leading source of top AI and data science talent.
• Support Student and Employer Recruiting Efforts – Assist in attracting high-caliber students to BUAI and work with companies to facilitate on-campus recruiting, job postings, and employer engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience in a tech-related field – Strong background in AI, data science, machine learning, software engineering, or related industries.
• Expertise in tech recruiting processes – In-depth knowledge of how software engineers, technical product managers, data analysts, data scientists, and quantitative finance professionals are recruited and hired.
• Familiarity with the evolving tech landscape – Strong understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and hiring demands to effectively guide students in career planning.
• Technical acumen to discuss advancements – Ability to engage with industry leaders, faculty, and students on technological innovations and how they impact business and hiring practices.
• Experience in career coaching or student advising – Proven ability to mentor individuals on job search strategies, resume building, interview preparation, and career navigation in tech and AI fields.
• Established industry network – Strong connections with hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals in AI, data science, and tech to facilitate partnerships and job placements.
• Event planning and program development skills – Experience coordinating career treks, workshops, networking events, and industry collaborations to enhance student career readiness.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities – Strong interpersonal skills to engage with corporate partners, faculty, students, and alumni in a professional and strategic manner.
• Master’s degree in a related field – Advanced degree in business, data science, computer science, engineering, economics, or a related discipline preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – Business, data science, computer science, engineering, economics, or a related discipline.
• Three years of experience in a tech-related field – Background in AI, data science, machine learning, software engineering, or a similar industry.
• Knowledge of tech recruiting processes – Familiarity with hiring practices for software engineers, technical product managers, data analysts, data scientists, and quantitative finance professionals.
• Understanding of industry trends and emerging technologies – Ability to stay informed on advancements in AI and data science and communicate their impact effectively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills – Ability to engage with corporate partners, faculty, students, and alumni in a professional and strategic manner.
• Experience in career coaching, program management, or student advising – Proven ability to mentor individuals on job search strategies, interview preparation, and career planning in tech and AI fields.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000 - $145,000. 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.

Funding Restrictions

This position is funded by a gift and may be funded by a subsequent gift. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent gift to continue employment. In the event funding for your position changes and it becomes necessary to adjust your percentage of effort, 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.

Required Documents and Additional Information

• Resume and cover letter required (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?

USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks and be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

About the Marshall School of Business:

The Marshall School of Business is one of the premier business schools in the country, consistently recognized for its outstanding array of MBA, specialized MS and undergraduate programs. The 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 biotechnology, 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.

                                                    

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional and supervisory experience in area of program specialization

                                                  

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.

• 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:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$130019.htmld