Admissions Counselor I (School of Gerontology)

Updated: 4 months ago
Location: Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA

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.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is seeking an Admissions Counselor with strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to join its team! The Admissions Counselor counsels prospective students regarding university admissions policies and procedures, reviews and evaluates applications, and makes admission decisions. This position reports to our Senior Associate Dean and will be part of the Student Services Department for the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Up to 30% travel is required for this position.

This role requires full-time on-campus work and some traveling around on and off campus for event purposes (i.e., fairs, picking up supplies, dropping off paperwork, etc.). A valid driver’s license is required to operate the 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. Applies transfer credit guidelines in review and assessment of applications as appropriate.
  • Reviews student records, inputs data, and generates letters and/or lists utilizing the student database.
  • Maintains currency on university policies affecting admissions and transfer credit evaluation.
  • Schedules recruitment activities for assigned territory or targeted student population. Arranges high school and transfer center visits, college fairs, and other recruitment events.
  • 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.
  • 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 candidate 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. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2 years of directly related experience in student services counseling.
  • Must have a 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) and Salesforce.
  • 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 rate range for this position is $27.47 - $31.05. 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.

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

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


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