Career Opportunities

The Core Purpose of the USC Shoah Foundation is to give opportunities for survivors and witnesses to the Shoah—the genocide of the Jews—to tell their own stories in their own words in audio-visual interviews, preserve their testimonies, and make them accessible for research, education, and outreach for the betterment of humankind in perpetuity.  

As it helps secure a future for Holocaust scholarship and education, the USC Shoah Foundation seeks a dedicated and energetic Director of Academic Programs. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs focused on understanding genocide, with a particular emphasis on the Holocaust. Your expertise will shape our institution's commitment to education, research, and commemoration, ensuring that future generations learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive and just society.

This position will report to the director of programs. The incumbent in this role will direct the development, implementation, and growth of sustainable scholarly programs within the USC Shoah Foundation. They will oversee program operations and administrative functions, set short and long-term strategies, and establish program policies and procedures. The director of academic programs will also be responsible for program design and staff administration and work with relevant units to secure and meet budgetary needs, marketing, public relations, and fundraising goals.

The annual base salary range for this position is $127,851.87 - $152,000.00. 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.

Program Development and Management

• Lead the strategic development and expansion of academic programs that inform Holocaust Studies, encompassing undergraduate and graduate levels, and further the various academic fields that intersect with the subjects of the Holocaust and genocide.
• Collaborate with USC faculty, scholars, and experts to develop innovative research and opportunities that explore the historical, social, and ethical dimensions of genocides, with a primary focus on the Holocaust.
• Stay informed about current scholarship, pedagogical approaches, and emerging topics in Holocaust Studies to enhance program offerings continually.
• In cooperation with the director of antisemitism research, develop occasional programs focused on the academic study of anti-Jewish hatred.
• Develop programs that provide opportunities for the broader fields of scholarship, such as workshops, fellowships, seminars, publication opportunities, and other appropriate platforms that further research and insight. 
• Build research and scholarly teams capable of carrying out essential programs.
• Assist in appropriate fundraising and outreach that builds awareness of academic programs and ensures their growth and viability.
• Identifies fundraising and development opportunities. Seeks funds for program operations from private and public sources. Writes grants to fund programs and works with staff to develop proposals. Interacts regularly with donor groups and supports stewardship initiatives.

Leadership

• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff and others on Holocaust Studies, supporting their professional growth and development.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages collaboration, innovative teaching approaches, and impactful research.
• Promote training opportunities, internships, fellowships, workshops, and conferences that provide opportunities for scholars at different stages of their careers
• Stay up-to-date with international and national developments related to Holocaust and Genocide Studies, integrating these insights into policy formation.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Cultivate partnerships with local, national, and international universities and other organizations focused on Holocaust and genocide research.
• Establish partnerships with publishers to ensure publication opportunities for specific programs and program alums.
• Collaborate with universities, museums, and survivor communities to facilitate experiential learning opportunities, public lectures, and commemorative events.
• Secure strong and collaborative working relationships with USC faculty in the 22 schools at the university, ensuring that they have access to USC Shoah Foundation content and opportunities to engage in cooperative work with the institute.
• Engage with scholars and practitioners in Holocaust and Genocide Studies through conferences, seminars, and networking events to foster collaborative research and knowledge exchange.

• A doctoral degree in History, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related fieldfocusing on the Holocaust is preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in academic program development and management, specifically in Holocaust and/or Genocide Studies.
• Deep knowledge of the Holocaust and a broad understanding of other genocides and mass atrocities throughout history.
• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to inspire faculty, engage students, and foster community partnerships.
• Strong commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice within academic programs and initiatives.
• Proficiency in educational technologies and digital tools relevant to Holocaust research and higher education.
• Strong working knowledge of at least one of the critical languages associated with studying the Holocaust (e.g., German, Yiddish, Polish, Russian, Hebrew, Ukrainian, French, etc).