Sr. Ass't Director Outreach

The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a Senior Assistant Director (Outreach), which acts as a lead counselor on financial aid procedures, policies and assists in resolving complex issues while serving all student populations with financial aid concerns. Some of the responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Interested candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills with a preference to frequently and effectively interact with diverse audiences. The ability to multi-task and balance department responsibilities, student advisement and outreach programming/events is critical to this position's success. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with outstanding communication, critical-thinking, and organizational skills who truly enjoys public interaction and problem solving.

This position is based on the USC University Park campus but will also travel to the USC Health Sciences Campus for required meetings, programs/events, and to staff financial aid office hours. The role also requires domestic travel during relevant recruitment and conversion seasons.

This position reports to the Associate Director, Outreach and is eligible for overtime. The base work schedule is 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. However, during certain times of the year, nights and weekends will be required to meet business needs associated with recruitment, admitted student, and orientation events. This is a Hybrid-fixed position and will require regular on-campus presence.

- Conducts in-person and virtual financial aid presentations, workshops and webinars at high schools, community colleges and community-based organizations for guidance counselors, prospective students, and parents.

- Conducts in-person and virtual financial aid presentations, workshops, and webinars to continuing students as requested by departments to address relevant and targeted financial aid topics.

- Accompanies admissions counselors nationwide to represent the financial aid office during recruitment and conversion events.

- Provides outreach support during student orientations for all student populations and programs.

- Provides consultative services to students and families about the entire financial aid process.

- Assesses need analysis for students requesting additional financial aid resources to determine if additional options exist for individual circumstances. Also reviews student applications for consistency and completeness and verifies accuracy of student and family reported information.

- Uses problem-solving skills and exercises independent judgement within established policies and procedures to advise, assist, and solve escalated situations. Works with colleagues to identify issues and update financial packages including elevating issues for senior leadership funding reviews.

- Serves as an expert regarding the financial aid and appeal process on departmental or university committees, as requested.

- Advises students regarding tools to assist with financial planning, budgeting, and managing debt.

- Assists in developing strategies on improving communication between the Financial Aid Office and the student body (both incoming and continuing) and on influencing student behavior around submission of financial aid materials.

- Collaborates with and serves as a liaison for university leaders and other campus partners and departments to address escalations and support various student populations. Maintains currency on university, state, and federal regulations related to financial aid policies and procedures.

Job Qualifications Minimum Education:

- Bachelor's Degree

- Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

- 2 years

Minimum Field of Expertise:

- Admissions

- Counseling skills

- Academic advisement

- Financial analysis and evaluation

Preferred Field of Expertise:

- Knowledge of student financial aid programs and need analysis

Preferred background should also include:

- Student services background, with demonstrated analytical skills

- The ability to use independent judgment to make decisions, interpret, and apply a wide range of policies and procedures amid competing priorities

- Student counseling experience

- Public speaking in a professional capacity

Skills: Other:

- Analysis

- Assessment/evaluation

- Communication -- written and oral skills

- Conflict resolution

- Counseling

- Interpersonal skills

- Interpretation of policies/analyses/trends/etc.

- Interviewing

- Knowledge of applicable laws/policies/principles/etc.

- Organization

- Planning

- Problem identification and resolution

Skills: Machine:

- Adding Machine

- Calculator

- Computer Network (Department or School)

- Computer Network (University)

- Personal Computer

- Photocopier

- Typewriter

- Word Processor

Supervises: Level:

- May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers.

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.24- $31.50. 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.

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Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 Years Minimum Field of Expertise: Student financial aid counseling