Assistant Director, Academic Counseling

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Founded in 1905, the USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has played a key leadership role in both the advancement of the field of pharmacy and in the education of new generations of pharmacists, as such USC remains one of the nation’s foremost schools of pharmacy today.

The USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences seeks a dynamic and highly experienced Assistant Director, Academic Counseling to join its team. 

This position serves in support of, and under the direction of, the Director of Student Success and Engagement, and addresses the needs of approximately 700 PharmD students. Additionally, this position will coordinate closely with members of the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs, who serve under the Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.

The general scope of services includes all of those areas that contribute to student success within the PharmD Program. It is expected that the Assistant Director, Academic Counseling will manage these, and other responsibilities either directly or through the supervision of reporting staff members. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following general areas:

Academic Advisement:

Assist the day-to-day academic counseling process for PharmD students, including but not limited to:

• provide academic counseling to all PharmD students on matters of curriculum, graduation degree requirements, course registration clearances, program policies and procedure, and other  degree-related requirements.
• monitor students’ progression and identify those who may be at-risk, delayed in progress, or on probation

• maintain student records and apply courses in the Student Information System
• coordinate with PharmD PEP office for IPPE and APPE assignments each semester and register students in their designated IPPE, APPE, and capstone courses.
• process petitions, such as leave of absence requests, grade changes, CPT forms, POST Code change, and other academic-related petitions
  • create academic calendars, course registration memos and provide d-clearance
• utilize AdviseSC in meeting and communicating with students

• assist in maintaining PharmD Master Roster each semester
• assist with GPA reviews each semester (e.g., for student leaders)
• manage Facebook groups and assist with composites for each class year
• track students who may need course accommodations
• serve as liaison to other university departments, including registrar, financial aid, office of international services, student health center, and disability services & programs
• complete degree verification requests (e.g., enrollment, degree, employer requests, etc.)
• attend meetings and work directly with the Director of Student Success and Engagement to ensure the development and success of student affairs department 
• manage student affairs general emails and newsletter, and assist with phone calls received from the office main line
• assist in other tasks related to student success and student affairs office

Other Related Duties:

• Participate in team meetings with the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs, and provide additional support as necessary
• Assist in various programming events including, but not limited to admissions events, orientation, white coat ceremony, faculty mentorship, talent showcase, student awards ceremony, and commencement.
• Assist in supervising student workers
• Perform other responsibilities as directed by the Director of Student Success and Engagement

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum Experience: 3 years, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
• Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related experience in student services and programming with ability to lead
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and critical problem-solving skills

Preferred Minimum Qualifications: 

• Terminal Degree (in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, psychology or public administration.)
• Student advising, student leadership, and mentoring experience.
• Demonstrate experience and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with academic software (Blackboard, student information systems, registration/grading/clearance programs, counseling software, etc.)
• Experience with graduate and/or professional programs a plus.

The hourly rate range for this position is $33.34 - $37.50. 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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Skills: Directly related experience in student services and programming with ability to lead Preferred Education: Master's degree Doctorate