Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Educational Innovation

About the role

The USC Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education (CANDLE) seeks a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Project Manager to support the development, implementation, and growth of strategic initiatives that translate research into educational practice and policy. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working closely with the Center's scientific, educational practice, operations, and program leadership teams, this position will help advance CANDLE's mission by supporting the development of new project lines, strategic partnerships, district engagement efforts, revenue-generating initiatives, and externally funded opportunities. The Project Manager will play a central role in expanding the reach and impact of CANDLE's work by helping educators, school systems, and organizational partners apply developmental affective neuroscience, Science of Learning and Development (SOLD) principles, transcendent thinking, and whole-child approaches to educational improvement and redesign. This position requires a unique blend of project management expertise, educational leadership experience, relationship development skills, and the ability to work across research, practice, fundraising, and organizational development functions. This position will report to the Executive Director. Primary Responsibilities and Accountabilities Strategic Initiatives and Project Development Support the Executive Director and senior leadership team in identifying, developing, and launching new strategic initiatives. Manage the planning and implementation of complex projects that advance CANDLE's research, educational practice, and public engagement objectives. Develop project plans, timelines, implementation strategies, budgets, deliverables, and reporting systems. Coordinate cross-functional teams that include researchers, educators, consultants, district partners, and external collaborators. Support the development of new service offerings, partnership opportunities, and revenue-generating initiatives. District and Educational Partnerships Build and maintain relationships with school districts, educational organizations, foundations, intermediary organizations, and strategic partners. Support district engagement efforts focused on educational redesign, educator learning, leadership development, and implementation of transcendent thinking approaches. Assist in the development and execution of partnership agreements, pilot programs, and implementation plans. Represent CANDLE in meetings, presentations, conferences, and professional learning events. Program Design and Delivery Collaborate with the Educational Practice team in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of professional learning experiences and innovation programs. Support planning and delivery of CANDLE's Innovation Lab, COLABs, educator learning communitie