The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

Are you interested in a people-focused role that combines student outreach, organization, and higher education? The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking an two Admission Counselors with strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to join its team. The role is ideal for professionals who enjoy building relationships, supporting students, and playing an active role in graduate student recruitment and enrollment.

In this role, you’ll serve as the first point of contact for prospective graduate students: answering questions, building rapport, and guiding applicants through the admission process. The role engages with students through individual conversations, presentations, and recruitment events, while also managing structured follow-up and application support. The balance of outreach and organization makes the role a great fit for someone who enjoys both relationship building and detail-oriented work.

Admission Counselors work directly with prospective students to explain admissions policies and procedures and support application processing and evaluation. This position is part of the Student Services Department for the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology which reports to the Senior Associate Dean.

This is a full-time, on-campus position that includes off-campus travel for recruitment activities such as graduate fairs, conferences, and information sessions. Up to 30% travel is required. A valid driver’s license is required for travel to off-campus events and for operating the on-campus electric cart.

Responsibilities:

Communicates in person, by telephone, and in writing with students about the status of admissions applications.
Counsels applicants on admission policies and procedures. Evaluates and offers solutions to applicant problems and requests regarding admission.
Reviews student records, inputs data, and generates letters and/or lists utilizing the student database.
Maintains currency on university policies affecting admissions and credit evaluation.
Schedules recruitment activities for assigned territory or targeted student population. Arranges school and transfer center visits, college fairs, and other recruitment events. Hosts presentations and one-on-one meetings.
Assists in student facing events on and off campus.
Works with faculty, staff, alumni, students, and high school and community college teachers and counselors to coordinate recruitment efforts.
Assists in the preparation of communications materials promoting admissions programs and activities, e.g., newsletters, bulletins, fact sheets, and brochures.
May supervise student workers
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The successful candidates will possess 2 + years in counseling and academic advisement, have an outgoing personality, is a self-starter, has great organizational and time management skills, and can work with minimal supervision while traveling. Must have a Bachelor’s degree. Degrees related to Counseling, Education, Marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience are often helpful, but not required to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

2 years of directly related experience in counseling, academic advisement, student services, or a related people-focused role.
Strong understanding of relevant university policy, including national standards and practices in relevant areas.
Demonstrated experience with problem identification and conflict resolution.
Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Salesforce, and Adobe Suite.
Strong written and communication skills.
Comfort level with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.
Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, students, staff, and faculty.
Demonstrated strong personal mastery, including ethics, interpersonal skills, and engage in continuous learning.
Ability to manage multiple projects, adjust to changing priorities, and perform well under pressure.
Demonstrated organizational skills, extreme attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

The hourly range for this position is $29.00 - $32.50/hr. 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.

Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more. This is a full-time non-exempt position that will require substantial commitment and flexibility.

If you are interested, please submit your complete application. Please include a cover letter and resume with references.

Thank you for your interest!

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Counseling skills and/or academic advisement experience

Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

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