Student Services Advisor I

In order for your application to be considered, you must attach a cover letter and resume to your employment application.

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy:

Founded nearly a century ago, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy improves the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad. Ranked No. 5 among 266 public affairs schools by U.S. News & World Report, including among the top 5 for ten consecutive years and top 10 for nearly two decades, the Price School combines rigorous education, evidence-based research, and deep engagement with community leaders to address the issues that shape people's lives. Situated in Los Angeles, a dynamic and diverse city, the Price School uses its location to address local and global challenges that matter most. USC Price enrolls more than 1,600 students across 4 bachelor's, 14 master's and 3 doctoral programs-more than a third of whom are first-generation college students, more than half of whom are students of color, and many of whom come from countries around the world. USC Price students become part of the Trojan Family, a powerful network of alumni and professionals committed to helping each other succeed.

About the Position:

The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy has an immediate opening for a Student Services Advisor I to join the Office of Admissions. Reporting to the Associate Director of Scholarships & Outreach, this role serves as the lead on undergraduate admissions, recruitment, and yield initiatives, while also supporting the Price School's scholarships and outreach efforts. We believe that student success begins long before a student enrolls, and starts the moment they begin imagining whether a school like USC Price could be the right fit for their goals. The person in this role plays a meaningful part in that journey, ensuring prospective students have the information and support they need to envision themselves here. We are looking for someone who is equity-minded, student-centered, and growth-oriented, brings creativity and attention to detail to their work, thrives both collaboratively and independently, and is energized by being part of a team that works hard, values balance, and genuinely enjoys what they do. If you are passionate about student success and bring strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to everything you take on, we encourage you to apply!

This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement.

Position summary:

Undergraduate Admissions

• Serve as the primary Price School coordinator for university-wide undergraduate admission and recruitment events (e.g., Discover USC, Explore USC), assisting in the planning and execution of recruitment strategies and programs including information sessions, student panels, faculty and academic advisor presentations, and coordinating Price faculty, staff, and student participation in tabling and lunch activities

• Engage prospective first-year and transfer undergraduate students through one-on-one advising, campus visits, and Price-hosted recruitment events to counsel students and families on admission requirements, financial aid, and academic programs

• Review and evaluate undergraduate admission applications to recommend prospective applicants who are a strong fit for the Price School

• Make merit and need-based scholarship recommendations for undergraduate first-year and transfer applicants in accordance with admission, department, and institutional policies

• Counsel undergraduate applicants on admission policies and procedures including addressing applicant questions and concerns about the admissions process and connecting students with appropriate university offices and staff as needed to facilitate their application process

• Communicate in person, by phone, virtually, and in writing with domestic and international applicants about status of admission applications

• Develop and send proactive email communications to prospective undergraduate students to support recruitment and enrollment goals

• Collaborate with Price Communications to develop and submit undergraduate admission-related content for the school's social media channels

• Monitor undergraduate recruitment and enrollment data in coordination with the Central Office of Undergraduate Admissions to stay informed on application trends and pipeline activity and prepare reports for internal use as needed

• Maintain familiarity with university policies affecting undergraduate admissions and transfer credit evaluation, working closely with the Price Academic Programs Office and Central Office of Undergraduate Admissions to resolve student inquiries

Department Scholarships

• Support the Associate Director in counseling prospective and continuing undergraduate and graduate students on scholarship and financial aid packages, evaluating inquiries and taking appropriate action in accordance with scholarship policies and procedures, donor restrictions, and best practices

• Support the Associate Director during scholarship workshops hosted for prospective and newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students

• Contribute to the office's monthly scholarship newsletter for undergraduate and graduate students by curating and vetting undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities

• Help maintain and improve undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications and ensure scholarship website pages are updated accordingly

• Participate on scholarship committees and help identify and recommend scholarship recipients for undergraduate and graduate programs based on eligibility requirements

• Support the Associate Director in the awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and monitoring of department scholarships by inputting scholarship awards into the University's Student Information System (SIS) in a timely and efficient manner and reviewing student accounts to check the accuracy of awards made each semester

• Help monitor scholarship renewal requirements including academic verification and confirming that Scholars submit annual student profile information and thank you letters for endowed and donor-funded scholarships

• Stay current with federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarship policies, processes, and best practices

Other

• Support outreach efforts which may include domestic travel to recruitment fairs and on-campus programming related to Price's organizational partnerships including PPIA, CHCI, City Year, Peace Corps, and others

• Participate in annual school-wide graduate admission and recruitment activities including the annual Price Mixer, Admitted Student Day, and Price Orientation

• Events may occasionally be held in early morning, evening and weekend(s)

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

• Serve on departmental, school, or university committees dealing with student services issues and participate in special assignments or short-term projects as needed

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $29.30 - $33.87. 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.

Job Qualifications and Experience:

• General knowledge of admissions and financial aid processes and policies at the undergraduate and/or graduate level

• Excellent written and verbal communication, public speaking, and presentation skills

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with a commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive experience for prospective students

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail

• Experience planning and/or coordinating events

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

• Experience using Microsoft 365, Google Suite, and digital tools such as Canva for developing creative content

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 2 years of relevant work experience and Master's degree

• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) platforms such as Salesforce, Pardot, Marketing Cloud, and Slate

• Knowledge of USC student and academic programs, policies, and procedures and knowledge of the student information system

• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid policies and practices

• Experience working with diverse student populations

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 1 year of work experience

Minimum Field of Expertise: Student program or services experience

Required Documents

For your application to be considered, please attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional Information:

The Student Services Advisor I is a hybrid work arrangement position, with the expectation of three days per week onsite at USC's University Park Campus located in Los Angeles, California. This role is not eligible for fully remote work.

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.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer that Values Diversity.