Admissions Counselor I

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 a great place to work.  

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking an Admissions Counselor I in Master’s Student Services. The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

The Master’s Student Services team (MSS) provides admissions and advising support to prospective and current students across all Dornsife master’s and graduate certificate programs. MSS team members cross-train and work collaboratively to ensure a consistent and seamless experience from application through graduation. The team’s mission is to foster student success by offering responsive, well-coordinated guidance and support and helping master’s students navigate their academic journeys and achieve their goals.

Job responsibilities:

The Admissions Counselor I in Master’s Student Services will provide support and guidance to master’s and graduate certificate students, which may include, but will not be limited to, the following: 

• Provides counseling for prospective and current graduate students.

• Advises prospective students and their families on university admission policies, procedures and educational opportunities.

• Follows up on applicant inquiries, evaluating and offering solutions to any problems and requests regarding admission.

• Communicates with prospective students in person and via telephone, email, customer-relationship management (CRM) systems and social media about the status of admission applications.

• Ensures confidentiality and compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• In consultation with faculty, where appropriate, makes admission decisions for graduate programs in accordance with admission guidelines.

• Identifies and selects scholarship recipients based on eligibility requirements.

• Assists in the preparation or update of bulletins, newsletters, handbooks, guides, fact sheets and brochures

• Plans and coordinates student events including orientation, receptions, and open house events.

• Maintains currency on policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to admissions, financial aid, registration, transfer credit evaluation, course and degree requirements, graduation requirements, and other student services.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, specifically working with admissions and recruitment

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of student development theories and academic policies

Salary range:

The hourly rate range for this position is $29.42 - $32.64. 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 alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

• Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

• To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC’s comprehensive benefits here. 

Salary : $29 - $33