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Academic Program Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Assistant, HSC

Irvine, CA · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Program Assistant, HSC The USC Educational Partnerships McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative program has an immediate opening for a Program Assistant, Saturday Academy HSC. The Program Assistant ...

Program Assistant - DDC

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$39K - $49K/yr

The Program Assistant builds meaningful developmental relationships with students, fostering trust and providing mentorship to support their social, emotional, and academic growth. The Program ...

Showing results 21-40

Academic Program Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do academic program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic program assistant in California is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic program assistant?

Academic Program Assistants are administrative professionals who support academic departments, faculty, and students by managing program logistics, coordinating events, maintaining records, and assisting with communication. They often handle tasks such as scheduling, preparing materials, and providing information about courses or programs. Their role is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of academic programs and helping both staff and students navigate administrative processes.

What are some typical challenges an academic program assistant might face when supporting multiple faculty members and students?

Academic Program Assistants often juggle a variety of tasks for several faculty members and students at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing scheduling, responding to inquiries, and maintaining accurate records requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Additionally, navigating different communication styles and expectations can be complex, but proactive communication and clear documentation help ensure smooth collaboration across the academic department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic program assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with academic procedures, often supported by a bachelor’s degree or relevant administrative experience. Proficiency with office software (such as Microsoft Office Suite), student information systems, and scheduling tools is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support students, faculty, and staff. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth program operations and providing high-quality academic support.

What is the difference between Academic Program Assistant vs Academic Advisor?

AspectAcademic Program AssistantAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree often preferredBachelor's degree typically required; some roles may prefer a Master's
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices within educational institutionsStudent services offices, academic departments, or advising centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and academic institutionsUniversities, colleges, and student support services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding administrative support roles in academiaGuidance and support roles for students' academic planning

The main difference is that an Academic Program Assistant provides administrative support related to academic programs, while an Academic Advisor offers personalized guidance to students on course selection and academic planning. Both roles are essential in educational settings but serve different functions within the academic environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Academic Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Academic Program Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Academic Program Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Program Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,131 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$40K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


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Job description

Program Assistant, HSC

Job Description

The USC Educational Partnerships McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative program has an immediate opening for a Program Assistant, Saturday Academy HSC.

The Program Assistant will provide specialized professional support services to staff, students, and families of our program located at the Health Sciences Campus. The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of projects or events related to Educational Partnerships' USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Program (NAI) and all projects related. Will work with NAI program staff to ensure alignment with timelines and activities between students, teachers, administrators and family development components.

The role in question is essential in providing support to NAI Scholars and developing college access programs for students and their families. The Program Assistant will be responsible for community outreach, catering to both current program participants and prospective recruits. They will coordinate and manage morning, afternoon, and Saturday programs for students in grades 6 to 12. Additionally, they will oversee the recruitment process for new students from our partner elementary, middle, and high schools (12 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools). The position will also involve maintaining and analyzing student records, evaluating educational progress, regularly meeting with students and their parents, and providing support when they fall below standards. Other assigned duties may be included as well. The Program Assistant will need to travel between the USC Health Science Campus in east Los Angeles and the USC University Park Campus in south Los Angeles.

The role entails providing support to the Project Specialist in managing relationships that involve interaction with community members and leaders. The Project Specialist will receive assistance in various activities related to the Neighborhood Academic Initiative program, which aims to broaden the college pathway for underrepresented students in our East Los Angeles neighborhoods. This is a full-time, year-round position with eligibility for university benefits, including medical/dental insurance, sick and vacation accruals, retirement contributions, and holidays.

Founded in 1989, the USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI), the university-developed college prep program enrolls close to 1,000 students annually. USC McMorrow NAI is an academically rigorous and comprehensive, seven-year college access and success program designed to prepare students from South and East Los Angeles for admission to a college or university. Under the program guidelines, students must commit to a seven-year plan of attending Saturday Academy classes along with weekday morning classes at USC, after-school tutoring and parent workshops. Parents are also required to attend a biweekly Family Development Institute program to create a 360-degree, hands-on approach to reinforce student academic goals and study habits and maximize a healthy home environment. Students who remain in the program in good standing from sixth grade until their high school graduation are eligible for a fully funded financial aid package- minus loans, to USC, provided they meet admission requirements. The USC McMorrow NAI program also provides support to all NAI Scholars through their first college degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Has experience in working and interacting with at-risk youth and families - preferably in the public education sector.

  • Three years of experience in managing recruitment and special projects -overseeing project implementation.

  • Familiarity with understanding of learning communities, and/or success factors for first-generation, low-income students on the pathway to college.

Preferred Experience:

  • Ability to read and speak Spanish and translate to English.

Communications Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills.

Bilingual:

  • Spanish is a must, with excellent oral and written proficiency.

Skills:

  • Strong time and project management and other related organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Ability to prioritize work effectively and adjust to multiple and competing demands. Experience in creating realistic project timelines while considering project goals and multiple details.

General:

  • Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently, take initiative, exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, participate as an effective team member, demonstrate cooperative behavior with coworkers and supervisors at all times and follow through tasks to completion.

Please upload the required documents below:

  • Letter of Interest

  • Resume

  • 3 Reference Letters

This position's annual base salary range is $23.52 - $25.00. 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, essential skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 1 year, Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise: Administrative support services

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 theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor 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 atuschr@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$141208.htmld

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About University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

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Year founded

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