Academic Advisor

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Department of University Relations, TRiO Educational Talent Search Program is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and enterprising professional for the position of Student Programs Advisor I.

USC TRiO Educational Talent Search launched at USC in Fall 1991. Educational Talent Search provides academic, career and financial advisement to encourage students to graduate from high school and continue to post-secondary education. Talent Search also provides academic opportunities for youths who are at risk by encouraging them to re-engage with the educational system, complete their high school education and continue to higher education. There are three Talent Search Programs serving 1,892 Los Angeles Unified School District high school students.

Job Summary:

The Student Programs Advisor I will assist with recruitment, interviewing and orientation of new students. This position will provide academic, career, and individual advisement to all student participants. Applicant will assist with implementation of educational, cultural, and social field trips and events and conduct educational workshops to help participants successfully navigate the high school graduation process. This position will work with high school students to help them successfully enroll into post-secondary institutions and assist with career exploration and selection. This position will provide support and assistance with completion of college and scholarship application as well as workshops to prepare students to take the SAT/ACT college entrance tests as necessary. The Student Programs Advisor I will support the Educational Talent Search program documentation efforts including maintaining program files and reports that adhere to federal mandates. This position will support the Educational Talent Search Program through the following responsibilities:

• Counsels and advises students regarding the college going process.
• Reviews and evaluates college applications and financial aid applications.
• Works with Program Manager and Program Coordinator to implement outreach programs and other recruitment projects.
• Identifies, recruits, and serves a caseload of assigned participants.
• Establishes and maintains rapport with parents, high schoolcounselors, staff, and administrators.
• Assist in managing programs database.
• Ensure compliance with grant and federal regulations.

The Student Programs Advisor I will report to the Educational Talent Search’s Program Manager and will work closely with a team of other professional staff members.   

This is a full-time, grant-funded position is an hourly rate of $24.00 and is contingent on continued funding.

Benefits:

USC has excellent benefits, including health care for staff and their families with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions after one year of employment; tuition benefits for staff and their families; free Professional Development classes; job site is located in central Los Angeles with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services; discounts to football, basketball & other campus events.

Preferred Skills and Ability:

• Computer skills, including complete knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Drive, Zoom, mail merges and printing, office equipment and any supportive skills
• Data Management
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written required
• Strong organizational skills including ability to organize resources
• Ability to manage workload well and prioritize effectively when faced with multiple projects, events, and deadlines
• Ability to respond/follow through quickly to problems and questions
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to coordinate and maintain a complex calendar
• Ability to work well under deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
• Ability to organize and coordinate special projects
• Ability to utilize various types of communication platforms (including but not limited to Zoom, Google Voice) and provide virtual presentations, workshops, and advising to students for distance learning.
• Knowledge of LAUSD policies and high school graduation requirements.
• Knowledge of barriers to postsecondary education faced by low income and potential first-generation college bound high school students in the target area.

Preferred Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration or other related fields.
• Minimum three (3) years of professional experience with federal TRIO Programs or related programs serving low income and first-generation college bound high school students.

Required Application Documents:

Upload resume with cover letter as one document.

Minimum Education: -Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education -Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: -1 year -Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: -Student personnel administration Preferred Education: -Master's degree Preferred Field of Expertise: -M. A. in student personnel administration, education, counseling or related field