PROGRAM COORDINATOR (LOS ANGELES, CA BASED)

Program Coordinator (LOS ANGELES, CA BASED)

Arizona State University

The Office of University Affairs

Off-Campus: Los Angeles

JR115720

End Date: January 9, 2026

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Description:

Position Salary: $70,304 per year

The Office of University Affairs at Arizona State University seeks an exceptionally detail-oriented, adaptable, and community-minded individual for the position of Program Coordinator for The Difference Engine.

This role is based in LOS ANGELES, California.

The Difference Engine is ASU's venture studio for good. We build products with and for communities to combat inequality—not reports, not recommendations, but actual tools people can use.

And we are growing!

We are looking for a builder. Someone ready to take the next step in their career and be part of something new and transformative. This role is our LOS ANGELES force multiplier—you'll manage day-to-day operations, run our community maker space, and support the scaling of three flagship programs:

The Creative Justice Lab brings ASU students together with community members to tackle problems like food insecurity, homelessness, and refugee credentialing. Students don't just study these issues—they prototype and build real solutions in partnership with the people most affected.

The Distinguished Innovation Fellows (DIF) program engages accomplished professionals aged 55+ in a year-long journey of learning, building, and mentoring. Our inaugural class includes the first African American woman to take a private spaceflight developing immersive Earth-perspective storytelling and an architect reimagining three-dimensional urban design for the 21st century.

DifferenceCorps mobilizes displaced and transitioning professionals to build community-centered initiatives with modest funding, cohort collaboration, and hands-on support—turning expertise into practical impact.

The successful candidate will provide operational and administrative support across all Engine activities, while also serving as a key community liaison in LOS ANGELES. You will work closely with the Senior Program Coordinator and report directly to the Executive Director.

The Difference Engine is a small but mighty team where all members wear many hats. We're looking for someone with a few years of professional experience under their belt who is ready to take on more responsibility and make meaningful contributions from day one.

This position is located in LOS ANGELES, CA and requires periodic travel.

Essential Duties:

• Operations & Logistics
• Manage the LOS ANGELES–based community maker space at the ASU California Center, including scheduling, setup, and day-of logistics for events and programming.
• Support calendaring and scheduling for the Executive Director and staff; coordinate with internal and external partners and community organizations.
• Support University Affairs travel staff with travel reservations, itineraries, and documentation for Engine staff, faculty, and guests.
• Assist in maintaining Engine services and software programs; assist in procurement and purchasing of products and services.
• Own and maintain Engine software tools, ensuring the team has proper access and training.

Program Support

• Assist TDE staff with running three flagship programs: the Creative Justice Lab, DifferenceCorps, and the Distinguished Innovation Fellows (DIF) program.
• Support the Director(s), staff, and affiliated personnel in program and event development.
• Coordinate events and conferences—including the annual BUILD gathering—managing registration, venue, food, hotel, travel arrangements, and reimbursements.
• Prepare periodic reports, financial statements, and records on program activities, progress, and status for management or outside agencies.
• Support recruitment pipelines for DIF fellows, DifferenceCorps members, and CJL participants—screening applications, coordinating interviews, managing applicant communications.
• Coordinate photography/video at events for marketing and reporting purposes.

Community Engagement

• Research, engage with, and help organize community events; track community issues and maintain community databases.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with community organizations, potential partners, and stakeholders in the LOS ANGELES region.
• Serve as a point of contact for community members, students, and visitors at the LOS ANGELES space.
• Support the Executive Director's engagement with LA city/county officials and national elected officials as well as government agencies relevant to Engine projects.

Administrative Support

• Assist with development and maintenance of databases.
• Prepare and format correspondence, manuscripts, routine letters, and memos.
• Answer phone calls, receive mail, and respond to routine inquiries.
• Physical presence at the workplace is an essential function of this position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field.
• Interest in or experience with public policy, social justice, entrepreneurship, or community organizing.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and take initiative in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard office policies and practices.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience planning and coordinating events.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Experience working with confidential information or files.
• Experience making travel arrangements and reimbursements—knowledge of the Concur Travel System is a plus.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Technical fluency with modern productivity tools: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management platforms (Basecamp, Monday.com, etc.), and comfort learning new technologies quickly.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to support communities and build something meaningful.

Instructions to Apply:

Current Employees and Students should apply directly within Workday using the Jobs Hub. Use this link and log in using SSO:

https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$16119.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

Cover letter

Resume/CV

Note: Multiple documents can be submitted into the attachment box. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position. Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position. NOTE: GA and Intern positions are counted as .5 for job experience (ie. 1 year equals 6 months experience equivalency). Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

About Arizona State University

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.

To view full description or to apply please click this link: https://asu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ASUStaffCareers/details/Program-Coordinator--LOS-ANGELES--CA-BASED-_JR115720?q=JR115720